Kindred Souls

Questions WEEK 1 What does the title “KINDRED SOULS” mean to you? Why have Eleanor Roosevelt’s name and her life story endured? How many First Ladies have tried to copy her lifestyle in the White House? Did any succeed? Before Eleanor Roosevelt, did any First Ladies have “causes?” Would you write “love letters” to a man 15 years younger than you? Does this lessen your respect for Eleanor? What do you assume from the fact that Eleanor called David by his first name, but she was always Mrs. Roosevelt to him? Although the book does not disclose the fact that Eleanor confided her marital problems to David, do you think she did? Has the Commission on Human Rights of the United Nations been just ideological words, or has it been effective since it was first voted on? UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK 2 Why do you feel David never confided the extent of the relationship between himself and Eleanor to his future bride BEFORE their marriage? Do you feel that David's feelings for Eleanor played any part in his indecisiveness about proposing to Edna? During the developing period of his romance with Edna, David wrote to Eleanor that, "If I don't marry Edna, I shall never marry again." What personal inferences might Eleanor draw from that statement? What undercurrents do you read in David? Why might Eleanor have been so determined to hostess the wedding in her home? As quoted in Kindred Souls, Eleanor wrote to David "You know without my telling you that I love you as I love and have never loved anyone else." If that was true, then what was the nature of Eleanor's feelings toward her children? Do you feel that Eleanor's children were justified in their politely concealed hostility toward David? Why was there such poor communication between their mother and themselves? Do you feel David's mother, Dr. Maria Gurewitsch, might have had any special feelings about the way her son related to Eleanor Roosevelt? Do you have any comments about Eleanor's lack of "connection" with the way she was portrayed in the drama SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO? In one scene of the book, we see the curtness between Eleanor and her Rhinebeck neighbors. In what way did this connect up with FDR's presidency and Eleanor's humanitarian beliefs? WEEK 3 Were you surprised that the Russian government "out of respect for Mrs. Roosevelt" had the bedroom furniture used by President Roosevelt during the Yalta Conference flown to Moscow for her use? This happening during the height of the Cold War? Any idea why David’s uncle would have gone to Russia when fleeing the Nazis as he must known about their communistic suppression of the citizens of Russia? Why did the translator lie about a young boy going to a Communist Indoctrination Class? Why are the three of them (David, Edna and Eleanor) sharing a suite in Paris? Would the advantages of traveling with a well-known figure outweigh the disadvantages, e.g. photographers, the press, dinners? Eleanor had several female friends that had never married and they had helped her considerably to gain independence when she needed it badly, yet rumors persist that Eleanor was a lesbian. In your opinion, is it true today that when two women live together these rumors start? In the picture of Val-Kill in the snow on page 173 does it seem to you that one of the upstairs sleeping porch windows is open? Have you seen many of these sleeping porches in old houses? What was their purpose? What is the significance, if any, of the title of this chapter “Settling Down.” WEEK 4 It was Edna that suggested that she and David co-own and share a house with Eleanor. As we become more familiar with the personalities of Edna Gurewitsch and Eleanor Roosevelt, can you conjecture about the possible advantages to BOTH women? Eleanor Roosevelt shared a house with her mother-in-law, Sara Delano Roosevelt, when she was a young wife and mother. Many years later she herself, as an elderly woman, shared a home with David Gurewitsch and his young bride. What differences, if any, do you see between the two arrangements? Was Eleanor less intrusive than her mother-in-law had been? Ms. Gurewitsch gives an insightful picture of the Eleanor that she knew in page 183, beginning with: "If I did not understand the private loneliness against which Mrs. Roosevelt struggled, I would find it hard to reconcile the description of the shy young woman full of self-doubt one reads about with the strong, wise woman I knew." How would you characterize the relationship that is developing between the two women? Does Edna have good reasons to be fond of Eleanor? Would most brides feel comfortable sharing their home? Do you have any opinions about the lifestyle the trio evolved in their shared home? How did they reconcile mutual issues of togetherness and privacy? Evening activities? Vacations? Eleanor wanted to share with Edna the viewing of a sculpture that had special meaning to her. It was Augustus Saint-Gauden's "Peace of God" located in D.C.'s Rock Creek Cemetery. What poignant associations did that piece of art hold for Eleanor? (page 189) A tough negotiator, Eleanor made John Kennedy prove himself before extending her political support to him. Why do you imagine JFK might have cared so much about gaining Eleanor's public respect and approval? Why might most doctors consider Eleanor to be a difficult patient? How did her stubborness contribute to her continuing ability to function? Eleanor asked no questions when the doctors told her she had cancer; what does this attitude indicate? Did David give in to her wishes too often? As an example he allowed her to travel to Campobello Island, a strenuous journey, when she was obviously very ill; she couldn't sit down or get up by herself. Edna tells us that David continued to "plague" her children about her health, continuing tests, etc., even though Eleanor told him and others she wanted to be left alone to die in peace? Do you think Eleanor died peacefully?