THE CONFIDANTE
The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America
For readers of Hidden Figures, A Woman of No Importance, and Eleanor: A Life, the first-ever biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, whose influence on American history, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has never before been told. Her life ran parallel to the front lines of history—and her story, though forgotten for too long, is extraordinary, inspiring, and uniquely American.
As FDR’s special envoy to Europe in World War II, she went where FDR couldn’t go. She was among the first Allied women to enter a liberated concentration camp and stood in the Eagle’s Nest,
For readers of Hidden Figures, A Woman of No Importance, and Eleanor: A Life, the first-ever biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, whose influence on American history, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has never before been told. Her life ran parallel to the front lines of history—and her story, though forgotten for too long, is extraordinary, inspiring, and uniquely American.
As FDR’s special envoy to Europe in World War II, she went where FDR couldn’t go. She was among the first Allied women to enter a liberated concentration camp and stood in the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat days after itscapture. She guided the direction of the G.I. Bill of Rights and safeguarded the Manhattan Project. Though Anna Rosenberg emerged from modest immigrant beginnings, equipped with only high school education, she was the real power behind national policies critical to America winning the war and prospering afterward. Astonishingly, her story remains largely forgotten.
With a disarming mix of charm and Tammany-hewn toughness, Rosenberg began her career in public relations in 1920s Manhattan. She became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who recommended Anna to her husband, who was running for Governor of New York. As FDR’s unofficial adviser, Rosenberg soon wielded enormous influence—no less potent for being subtle. Roosevelt dubbed her “my Mrs. Fix-It.” Her extraordinary career continued after his death.
By 1950, she was tapped to become the assistant secretary of defense—the highest position ever held by a woman in the US military—prompting Senator Joe McCarthy to wage an unsuccessful smear campaign against her. In 1962, she organized JFK’s controversial birthday gala, sitting beside him while Marilyn Monroe sang. Until the end of her life, Rosenberg fought tirelessly for causes from racial integration to women’s equality to national healthcare.
More than the story of one remarkable woman, The Confidante explores who gets to be at the forefront of history, and why. Though she was not quite a hidden figure, Rosenberg’s position as “the power behind,” combined with her status as an immigrant and a Jewish woman, served to diminish her importance. In this inspiring, impeccably researched, and revelatory book, Christopher C. Gorham, at last, affords Anna Rosenberg the recognition she so richly deserves.
- Citadel Press
- Hardcover
- February 2023
- 384 Pages
- 9780806542003
Buy the Book
$28.00
About Christopher C. Gorham
Christopher C. Gorham is a lawyer and teacher of modern American history at Westford Academy, outside Boston. He has degrees in history from Tufts University and the University of Michigan, where he studied under legendary labor historian Sidney Fine. He has a J.D., summa cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law, where he served on the editorial staff of the Syracuse Law Review. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post and in online journals. He and his wife Elizabeth live in Watertown and Chatham, Massachusetts.
Praise
“(Anna Rosenberg’s) immense influence on American politics, multiple wars, and America’s public affairs, long overlooked, is once again brought to the forefront in this wonderfully told book, perfect for readers of history, biography, politics, and feminism.” —Booklist
“An adviser to presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson, Anna Rosenberg (1899-1983) was a prominent national figure whose present obscurity is perplexing. Gorham, a lawyer and American history teacher…. delivers a vivid account of her eventful life. …Even history buffs may be surprised…. A well-deserved first biography.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An eye-opening biography of presidential advisor Anna Rosenberg…. This is a fitting tribute to a trailblazer.” —Publishers Weekly
“Far and away the most important woman in the American government, and perhaps the most important official female in the world.” —LIFE magazine, 1952
“Christopher Gorham’s authoritative new biography will put Anna Rosenberg where she belongs: among the most outstanding yet unsung women of the 20th century.”—Nigel Hamilton, author of the FDR at War trilogy and JFK: Reckless Youth
“Anna Rosenberg was a dynamo of a woman. Christopher C. Gorham’s engaging and deeply researched biography The Confidante will leave you with two thoughts: ‘Why did I never hear of this woman before?’ and ‘Thank goodness she’s been rescued from obscurity!’” —Kathryn Smith, author of The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR and the Untold Story of the Partnership that Defined a Presidency and Gertie: The Fabulous Life of Gertrude Sanford Legendre: Heiress, Explorer, Socialite, Spy
Discussion Questions
1. Anna Rosenberg became FDR’s closest advisor during World War II, the second-highest ranking woman ever to serve in the US government and, according to Life, ” perhaps the most important official female in the world.” Despite her tremendous accomplishments, Anna Rosenberg remains largely unknown to most people. Why do you think there isn’t more awareness of Anna Rosenberg’s contributions to 20th century America?
2. How do you think Anna Rosenberg’s experiences and trials as a young woman in New York City prepared her for enduring success in business and politics?
3. In what ways do you think Anna Rosenberg’s immigrant background informed her patriotism?
4. Anna split time between New York and Washington, and often came across as “unattached.” Do you believe this was a help or a hindrance in her career?
5. Rosenberg was told at an early age that women in politics achieve more “behind the scenes.” How does this make you think about the use and impact of hard-power and soft-power?
6. Anna recognized the link between social equality and a stronger democracy. How did her actions support civil rights for Black Americans and for American women?
7. When Anna’s fierce loyalty to her new country was challenged by Senator Joe McCarthy, why do you believe she withstood the attack when other women’s careers were prematurely ended?
8. What was it about Anna Rosenberg’s personality that made her a trusted friend to not only FDR, but presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Johnson?
9. After WWII, Anna was distraught to find the WACs and WAVES treated differently than their male veteran counterparts. What was behind this mistreatment?
10. Though she was urged to write her memoirs by Eleanor Roosevelt and leading publishing houses—Edward R. Murrow once told her, “You have quite a book to write someday” –why did Anna resist this so strongly?
11. There are many women from the past, like Anna Rosenberg, who do not often make it into our history books. Who is one woman from history that you greatly admire and think that the world should know more about?