Susan M. (susyclemens) reviewed Frank: The Story of Frances Folsom Cleveland, America's Youngest First Lady (Excelsior Editions) on + 158 more book reviews
This is a "good", (generally speaking) but short, biography of Frances Cleveland, the so far youngest First Lady the USA has ever had. I say "good" in quotes, because it's not bad, but the author doesn't really make Frances come alive. Even though she uses quotes from Frances's letters, and offers some thoughts about Frances's life choices, the author fails to really generate interest and color while telling Frances's story. I don't feel I know Frances any better now than before I picked up this biography. Some writers just have the knack of making a collection of facts come to life, and this author does not. It is somewhat of a "plodding" read. I was also extremely disappointed with the selection of photographs - Frances was a beautiful woman, we are told over and over, with rich dark looks not unlike Lady Randolph Churchill the mother of Winston Churchill, yet the photographs either chosen or provided to the biographer make her look terrible in just about every photograph. The photos are also presented in small, faded format - not enhanced. The best illustration is on the cover.
But, that said, this is a "good" workman-like biography which which is readable, if not outstandingly revelatory or memorable.
But, that said, this is a "good" workman-like biography which which is readable, if not outstandingly revelatory or memorable.
