Cover Image: American Princess

American Princess

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This book was so well written with many intriguing historical characters, especially Alice Roosevelt herself. It was the historical research that made this book come alive for me with insights into not only Teddy Roosevelt himself but the figures surrounding him. All in all it was more than a shallow look at a time in history but included a Grand love story to boot. I heartily recommend it for lovers of historical fiction.

Was this review helpful?

Many people know of the accomplishments Alice Roosevelt made as an envoy of the White House during her father, Theodore Roosevelt's presidency. The rest of this energetic, feisty and totally rebellious woman's life is played out in this ambitious novel that spans from her debutante days to her death at the age of 96. Alice was the consummate politician aiding in her father's, husband and lover's campaigns as well as was on the shortlist for every state and foreign dinner and social event. Her spunk defied polite society, her love of life survived all the scandals and her loyalty to her family knew no bounds. Her only wish was to be truly loved and appreciated for who she was by the important men in her life. This is historical fiction at its very best and a fascinating look at the woman they called "the other Washington monument". My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

Although a fictionalized account of Alice Roosevelt, the author backs the story with much fact. The reader gets a true sense of Alice, her faults and flaws which make her more lovable and admirable as a heroine. Alice laments through the story of the lack of love from her father and stepmother, but the reader can discern otherwise through their actions and get the sense that the immediate family of Teddy Roosevelt was actually a close one. After normal teenage rebellion, Alice's actions and activities were politically motivated and she knew how to 'play the press.' Our American Princess had a full, wonderful life full of passion and adventure. It was a pleasure to read this book and have this historical character brought to life!

Was this review helpful?

"American Princess" by Stephanie Marie Thornton is a delightful read. Written from Alice Roosevelt Longworth's point of view it weaves together the life of a strong, unique, and fascinating woman. The book was as engaging as was Alice's life. She was a rebel in a time when women, particularly in public roles, were expected to maintain clearly defined norms. Thornton's attention to detail and narrative style gives us insight into the experiences that contributed to Alice's development. The novel takes us from the early years of her life until her death, from good times to the depths of despair. Thornton provides the reader with insight into Alice's rather unconventional love life as well as her unique experiences as part of a U.S. delegation to the Imperial Courts of Asia. For me, a book is successful if it leaves me with a feeling of wanting more. My immediate reaction after reading 'American Princess' was to start reading a work of non-fiction about Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Thornton was true to her subject. She included verifiable truths about this daring and colorful individual. She even used many of Alice Roosevelt's own words. While this is historical fiction, it is quite relevant to current time. Highly recommended to those who like historical fiction.

Was this review helpful?

An enjoyable fictitious account of Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Teddy Roosevelt. The author does intertwine factual information which adds depth to the story. Well done.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of the better books of historical fiction I've read in a long time. It's about Alice Roosevelt, TR's daughter, and covers a huge chunk of American history from Teddy Roosevelt's days in the White House to the mid-twentieth century. Alice lived quite a colorful life, and I'm glad someone finally wrote a novel about her.

American Princess is a fairly long book but doesn't get boring at all. The author deftly takes the reader from Alice's teenage years to her years as a ninety-year-old grandmother. The character of Alice comes across as rather silly, vain, and self-centered during her White House years, but the author does a nice job of showing us Alice as she matures and faces increasingly complex decisions in her life.

Highly recommended! This is a light but fun and interesting read for anyone who likes American historical novels.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book about Alice Roosevelt. Although a novel, it seemed pretty true to her life from what I've read. Alice was a smart, lively and difficult person who had a difficult life, but made the most of it.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me an ARC to review of this book.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a spitfire of a woman - who many may not even know of. Sure, we've all heard of Eleanor Roosevelt - but what do we know of her cousin? Alice is probably the most interesting historical Washington figure you've never heard of - the eldest daughter of Teddy Roosevelt who takes Washington (and America) by storm.

I loved learning bits about Alice, who is both an interesting and a tragic figure, and I'd love to read more about her in the future.

3/5 stars - this novel had a lot of pacing and timeline issues. The first few chapters are outlined perfectly when they are and Alice's age. However, once you get into Part 2 and beyond - you're not sure what year it is, and that's something I enjoy knowing.

In earlier chapters, a chapter might be over the span of a month. Then later on, the entirety of WWI and the first few tragedies of Alice's life are all blocked into one quick chapter.

There's also a lot of asides back to previous things that have happened years before in order to try to maintain timelines - but it hurts, rather than helps the narrative.

Was this review helpful?

I was hooked on "American Princess" from the beginning. Stephanie Marie Thornton brought Alice Roosevelt to life and I felt like I knew her after reading the book. That was true for all the characters, who were portrayed in such a way you learned to love them or not like them in the least. I cheered when they succeeded, cried when they hurt and laughed with them. Not only was it great story telling, it was history coming to life.. "American Princess" had my interest from beginning to end!

Was this review helpful?

Great story of such a remarkable woman. Alice Roosevelt was strength personified, her characterization was brilliantly presented by Thornton. I admired her unyielding strength in dealing with heartbreaking incidents in her life. A resilient woman piquing my interest to learn more.

Thornton never disappoints. I have enjoyed all her books, each better than the other. Her ability to craft outstanding stories with such wonderful characterization makes her a joy to read. I look forward to another amazing story of another amazing woman by Thornton’s talented hand.

Was this review helpful?

Alice Roosevelt should have been president. She was an amazing character, one who grabbed life and didn't let go. She was the strongest of Theodore's children, an individual who loved to push the limits, and then sit back an plan her next move. An amazing politician in her own right, even though she lived in a time when women were not considered politicians.

I loved the dialogue and interactions between her and her famous father, as well as the interactions between her and cousin Eleanor and the 'feather duster'. Every conversation with Franklin made me laugh.

This Alice was a woman I could like, a woman I would love to sit with and discuss life, politics, and practically anything.

Stephanie Thornton is a remarkable writer. I've read many books about Alice, but never has she been brought to life as much as she has in American Princess.

Was this review helpful?

American Princess follows the story of Alice Roosevelt, often considered controversial and precocious for the time period in which she lived. This book was a little slow for me. I was very excited to read it and I found myself not as interested in it than other historical fiction novels that I have read. I did enjoy the dialogue and learning more about Alice & the time period, which always leaves me looking up events for the true historical accounts. Thank you to Net Galley and Berkeley Publishing Group for an advanced copy for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

What do you do when you grow up in a famous political family? You learn a lot about the world and politics and when your father is Theodore Roosevelt you have adventures. Alice Roosevelt was the daring daughter of Theodore Roosevelt who went on to become a force in Washington D.C. This novel details her adventures, her loves, her losses, and her long life. A fascinating story of a fascinating woman.

Was this review helpful?

This novel is everything historical fiction should be, a great story, lots of history and all brought to life through the author’s imagination. As I first started reading this I was a little skeptical and assumed that this was more fiction than history. I stepped back from the book and took a look at the actual history. I was proven wrong! Alice Roosevelt was an incredibly colorful character whose life reads like fiction! Stephanie Marie Thornton captured her essence perfectly, as she takes her from a young girl to a skilled Washington, D.C. player. It was a fascinating read and one you will have a hard time putting down! I thoroughly recommend it! I was honored to receive a free advanced copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher, Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A tremendous story (although fiction) that contains enough fact to enlighten the reader as to the life and times of this admirable lady. She made no bones about her beliefs and desires. She was politically astute and championed many causes when women were considered to be totally oblivious to political and business matters. Through all of this she was gracious and retained her dignity although her personal life was in shambles.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a fascinating lady. It is a shame women would not have been president in the 1930's/1940's because she could have done a bang up job. She was full of spunk her whole life and took on some very impressive people including her father, Senators, and her husband. Alice had some amazing opportunities in life and she lived them to the fullest. It was interesting to see how life was for privileged people of the time. A trip to Europe or Asia were months long adventures. Single ladies were not given much freedom in action or dress. Her life in the White House as a young lady was described in great detail. Alice dealt with a philandering husband with grace and without the opportunity to kick him to the curb without ruining her own life. It would be interesting to see Alice in the 21st century and what she might have lived.

This is my second book about the Roosevelt families. I read White Houses by Amy Bloom and it was interesting how Eleanor and FDR were portrayed in the two books. I found them very different but both books are works of fiction base on truth.

This was an ARC copy of American Princess and it will be released in March 2019. I would recommend this book if you are interested in historical fiction or want to learn more about the Roosevelt family.

Was this review helpful?

I love history and this historical fiction book about Alice Roosevelt, the President's daughter did not disappoint. This is her story from early childhood to her ninties.

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoyed reading this novel about Alice Roosevelt’s life. She was a rebel rousing soul who held her own with the politicians of Washington in the early 1900’s.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! The full review will be posted soon at kaitgoodwin.com/books! Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to connect books to their readers!

Was this review helpful?

Ms. Thornton's penchant for historical detail, her scrupulous research of the characters, and her remarkable ability to bring them together superbly relate the story of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, America's Princess.

As a teenager in the White House and then as a married young woman, Alice's rebellious and mischievous escapades were well chronicled by an adoring press for an adoring public. Marrying Nick Longworth, a Congressman from Ohio who later became Speaker of the House, did not effect the smoothing of the edges that her father the President would have wished. She did, however, grow from envying those close to her father to becoming his staunch ally and unofficial political aide. Alice's relationship with her father was one of yearning for attention and affection that became one of father-daughter friendship and mutual respect. Through specific conversations with the many people in Alice's life, we come to know these people and their profound effects on her. Especially poignant is her connection to her father, Theodore Roosevelt. The portrait drawn of him for us through her eyes is first-hand, revealing and fascinating.

In her youth, Alice was known as America's Princess. In maturity, she was known as Washington's other Monument, wielding power and influence in that town all her long life. It is a complete story, from beginning to end shedding light on one of America's most notable, enduring, and endearing countrymen (a term she would have no objection to, woman though she was!).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. I highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?