Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 15, 1995 TAG: 9510130101
SECTION: BOOK PAGE: F5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: REVIEWED BY JOHN AND SHAREN HILLISON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
\ When Franklin Roosevelt's distant cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley died in her 100th year, a suitcase containing a diary and letters she had exchanged with FDR was found under her bed.
Geoffrey Ward, Roosevelt biographer and contributing editor to American Heritage magazine, was asked to review the materials.
What he found is fascinating.
The written material indicates that Suckley was not only the president's favorite public companion, but also a close private companion.
The book consists of the letters and diary entries presented in chronological order, with occasional comments by the editor giving the historical context for the event described.
It provides an insider's perspective on such events as D-Day and the meeting between Roosevelt and Stalin at Casablanca, where Stalin would not compromise and made the president, even with health problems, travel such a great distance.
Suckley had the opportunity to meet Winston Churchill and members of Roosevelt's inner circle including Harry Hopkins and Lucy Mercer Rutherford, FDR's long-time paramour whom his wife, Eleanor, had forbidden him to see.
Roosevelt was cautious about having his picture taken in such a way as to indicate he was an invalid, and Suckley was one of the few people who was permitted to take such photos. (Several are included.) He was also willing to share intimate thoughts, including times of depression which he hid from all others.
The pervading theme of the diaries is one of utter devotion and selflessness toward FDR. Suckley's sole purpose was to make his life easier and more comfortable.
The diaries show Eleanor Roosevelt as a fun-loving person, but because she was incapable of reciprocating her husband's great sense of humor, Suckley filled a void and at the same time helped relieve the stress associated with the burdens of being president during the Great Depression and World War II.
As the diary entries progress, it becomes obvious that Suckley was more and more concerned about FDR's health. She was so obsessed with his failing health that she even arranged for a holistic healer to work on Roosevelt. She was with him when he died at Warm Springs, Ga.
"Closest Companion" is recommended for readers who are interested in history, the presidency, Franklin Roosevelt, and for anyone with a romantic streak.
John and Sharen Hillison live in Blacksburg.
by CNB