Stephanie Dray Interview, plus links to author biography, book summaries, excerpts and reviews

An interview with Stephanie Dray

In this letter to readers, Stephanie Dray outlines the inspiration for her novel Becoming Madam Secretary.

Dear Reader,

This novel is not just the product of over a year of intensive research; it's also a culmination of a lifetime steeped in storytelling and a deep fascination with American history.

Unlike the heroine of this novel, my family's roots in America are relatively recent. My ancestors came to this country in the early 20th century, fleeing poverty and persecution in Europe. They were new additions to the "American experiment," a nation still figuring itself out.

They were survivors who found opportunity here, but they struggled, too. My grandparents, who came of age during the Great Depression, told stories that were both inspiring and heartbreaking. They spoke of hunting frogs and foraging wild mushrooms to survive. But their tales also had darker chapters; my grandfather lost his older brother in a desperate attempt to steal coal from a passing train to keep the family warm during those harsh winters.

The frugality my grandparents developed during those dark days stuck around. When I was a kid, my grandmother was always on the hunt for a bargain at garage sales. As the oldest grandchild, I found myself in the backseat of her lime green Ford Fairlane, with the mission of entertaining my sister and younger cousins during these expeditions. It was there that I honed my storytelling skills, weaving tales like Scheherazade to keep the backseat peace.

But I wasn't just a teller of tales; I was an eager listener, too. My grandfathers, both of whom enlisted right after Pearl Harbor, taught me about the values that this country was built on and instilled in me a respect for how fragile any democracy is. Their stories kindled my fascination with revolutions and republics, with ordinary people rising to extraordinary circumstances. These are themes that I return to, again and again.

So it is only natural that I would be drawn to write about the era of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who revolutionized America and inspired our greatest generation to rise and meet the global threat of totalitarianism. Roosevelt was more than just a President to my family; he was a beacon of hope. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps provided my grandfather with the opportunity to support his family. Roosevelt was the commander in chief for my grandfathers, both of whom enlisted after Pearl Harbor. And after the war, when polio struck my father, my paternal grandmother found inspiration in Roosevelt's own battle with the disease. For she believed that if Roosevelt could lead a nation from a wheelchair, then her son could also have a bright future.

But while Roosevelt was a household name in my family, Frances Perkins was a figure I only discovered later in life. As Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor, Perkins was instrumental in lifting my grandparents out of poverty and providing them with a dignified retirement. Yet, she was more than just a political figure; she was a vibrant, adventurous woman who played a pivotal role in shaping modern America.

Delving into Frances Perkins' life, I reviewed the five-thousand-page transcript of her oral history, read her papers, poems, and family pictures. I scoured appointment books and historical newspapers where she made headlines. I even listened to recordings to capture her unique voice and had the privilege of interviewing people who knew her, including her grandson. All this so I could paint a vivid picture of this extraordinary woman whose programs transformed our nation.

Writing this novel has been a journey of discovery for me, not just about Frances Perkins but also about the complex relationship she had with Roosevelt. Chronicling their friendship, their debates, and their shared vision for America has been incredibly rewarding. She was an extraordinary woman whose story deserves to be told and celebrated.

I know you'll come to appreciate Frances Perkins as much as I do and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to my newsletter for more stories and insights into American history.

Warmly,
Stephanie Dray

Unless otherwise stated, this interview was conducted at the time the book was first published, and is reproduced with permission of the publisher. This interview may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the copyright holder.