The Last Months of Chief Roosevelt's Life

Described as the most enigmatic main figure of World War II by British military historian John Keegan, Franklin D. Roosevelt often kept his peers guessing, especially towards the end of his life. In a profoundly insightful narrative, an award-winning author and journalist unravel the intricacies of Roosevelt's final months, showcasing how he navigated the strategic, political, and personal decisions amid the culmination of the war, his presidency, and his life.

Throughout the final stages of the conflict , President Roosevelt faced a dire medical diagnosis that raised doubts about his ability to run for a fourth term. Despite keeping this information from his family and top officials, he retreated to a plantation in the south for a month of evaluation by a military cardiologist. After delaying his decision for two months, Roosevelt eventually announced his candidacy on the eve of his party's convention. Displaying his political prowess, he strategically selected a new running mate in preparation for a potential succession. This period was marked by secret meetings with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and intense focus on establishing a stable post-war international order. Additionally, Roosevelt showcased his wit and vigor in a successful campaign as he navigated the complexities of leadership during a tumultuous time.

With a blend of precision and compassion, Joseph Lelyveld delves into Roosevelt's choices during wartime, shedding new light on his mindset, priorities, and motivations both as leader of the wartime alliance and in his personal life. In facing his mortality, Roosevelt carried on with the conviction that he had a duty to see the battle through to its conclusion, reassuring himself that he could step down if he felt unable to continue.

Lelyveld delivers an incisive portrait of this intentionally inscrutable man, a consummate chief to the final.