IF A POEM COULD LIVE AND BREATHE A Novel of Teddy Roosevelt's First Love

Lauren Ezzo provides an intelligent and expressive narration of this fine historical romance set mainly in late-nineteenth-century New England. Drawing upon newly discovered letters written by Theodore Roosevelt and his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee, as well as diaries, newspaper accounts, and witness testimonials, Calvi reimagines their romantic courtship and brief marriage. Lee's intelligence and quietly forthright manner come through in Ezzo's midrange pitch, while Roosevelt's wit, ardor, and deep interest in the natural world are expressed in a slightly husky timbre. Ezzo excels at conveying Lee's privileged "Boston Brahmin" world, as well as that of Harvard University, where Roosevelt attends college. Most intriguing are Roosevelt and Lee's impassioned conversations on women's equality and education. An enjoyable historical listen. M.J. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]