The Gatekeeper

Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency

By: Kathryn Smith

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The first biography of arguably the most influential member of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration, Marguerite "Missy" LeHand, FDR's de facto chief of staff, who has been misrepresented, mischaracterized, and overlooked throughout history...until now.

Widely considered the first female presidential chief of staff, Marguerite "Missy" LeHand was the right-hand woman to Franklin Delano Roosevelt - both personally and professionally - for more than 20 years. Although her official title as personal secretary was relatively humble, her power and influence were unparalleled. Everyone in the White House knew one truth: if you wanted access to Franklin, you had to get through Missy. She was one of his most trusted advisors, affording her a unique perspective on the president that no one else could claim, and she was deeply admired and respected by Eleanor and the Roosevelt children.

With unprecedented access to Missy's family and original source materials, journalist Kathryn Smith tells the captivating and forgotten story of the intelligent, loyal, and clever woman who had a front-row seat to history in the making. The Gatekeeper is a thoughtful, revealing, unsung-hero story about a woman ahead of her time, the true weight of her responsibility, and the tumultuous era in which she lived; a long overdue tribute to one of the most important female figures in American history.

©2016 Kathryn Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

history intertwined with a compassionate story

I enjoyed this book. It combined historical facts with an insider's view to tell a compelling story about the complicated relationship of the Roosevelt's as well as the Presidency during very tumultuous times in the United States.

The Gatekeeper

It was an interesting picture of how FDR's secretary played an important part in his political and private life.

The Footnote of The American history.

It can be questioned, what America would be today, if Missy was not with FDR during all those years.

Beth

Every book I read about the Roosevelt family makes me love them more. This book adds depth to the complexity of FDR and Eleanor’s marriage, and confirms Missy’s integrity and innocence.

FDR's Closest Friend, Confidante & Chief of Staff

Smith tells the story of this remarkable woman with compassion balanced by recently uncovered facts.

Essential women’s history

Beautifully and tastefully written, this in depth look into the partnership of FDR and Missy LeHand illustrates the beauty, rarity and fruitfulness of true intimacy.

My car navigation has a better speaking voice.

The topic was interesting but Siri has more personality and my car navigation uses inflection better. I had to stop halfway through, could not stand the dictation type of droning speech pattern. It took a lot of the enjoyment out of the subject matter.
I will read the book instead thank you.

interesting read

very interesting and informative. enjoyed looking at history through missy's eyes. audiobook reader very good.

Fascinating!

Well told story and beautifully narrated. Such great insight to the times and to a woman given far too little credit for her many talents.

Different

Never heard of her before, yet this book held my attention as you get insight into not only her life, but a glimpse of history. Enjoyable read.