Becoming Madam Secretary

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a 2024 historical fiction novel that explores the life and career of the United States’ first female Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, in the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dray, a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling author, explores themes such as Resistance in the Face of Sexist Discrimination, The Role of Determination in Accomplishing Reform, and The Tension Between Idealism and Pragmatism in Government through the novel.

This guide refers to the Kindle edition.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss mental illness, suicide, alcohol addiction, miscarriage and death of an infant, and deaths of loved ones. Additionally, the guide uses the term “sanitarium” to refer to what would today be called a psychiatric hospital. While the term “sanitarium” is antiquated, it reflects the language of the source text and its historical era.

Plot Summary

Becoming Madam Secretary opens in February 1933 with the protagonist, Frances Perkins, visiting President-Elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in New York City. Franklin offers Frances the position of Secretary of Labor. Initially hesitant, Frances presents a list of ambitious goals, expecting Franklin to balk. Surprisingly, he agrees, and Frances accepts the position after discussing it with her family.

The story then jumps back to 1909, when a young Frances moves to Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. She works at Hartley House, a settlement house, while pursuing a master’s degree in economics. Frances’s supervisor, Miss Mathews, is skeptical of her ambitions, but Frances is determined to solve poverty in America through economic means. During her work, Frances meets Mary Harriman and Eleanor Roosevelt, forming connections that will prove significant in her future career. She continues her work with impoverished families, sometimes bending rules to provide direct aid. Frances transitions to working for Florence Kelley at the Consumers’ League, afterward focusing on labor reform and women’s rights.

In 1910, Frances meets Franklin at a party, though their initial encounter is not particularly warm. She also meets Sinclair Lewis, a writer—later to become famous for his satirical novels Babbit and Arrowsmith—who pursues her romantically, though Frances rebuffs his advances. Frances becomes involved in lobbying for labor reforms, including limiting working hours for women. She faces opposition from various quarters, including Franklin, who is then a state senator. However, she gains significant support from former President Theodore Roosevelt.

In 1911, Frances witnesses the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—an industrial disaster in which 146 garment workers die when the factory in which they are working catches fire. The factory’s owners had been aware of the hazardous conditions and actively prioritized profit over worker safety. This tragedy strengthens Frances’s resolve to fight for workers’ rights and safety regulations. This event becomes a turning point in her career, leading to her involvement in investigating working conditions and advocating for reforms. Over the next few years, Frances continues her work in labor reform, becoming increasingly involved in New York politics. She works closely with Al Smith, who becomes governor of New York. Frances is appointed to various positions, including the Industrial Commission of New York, where she deals with labor disputes and continues to push for changes to the labor system.

In 1913, Frances marries Paul Caldwell Wilson. They have a daughter, Susanna, in 1916. However, Paul has bipolar disorder, which creates challenges in their personal life. As Frances’s career progresses, she becomes more involved with Franklin’s political ascent. She works on his campaign for governor of New York and later becomes head of the state’s labor department under his administration.

The Great Depression hits in 1929, and Frances works with Franklin to develop policies to address the economic crisis. She proposes the idea of social insurance, which later evolves into the Social Security program. In 1933, Franklin is elected president and appoints Frances as Secretary of Labor, making her the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. She moves to Washington, DC, with Susanna, while Paul remains in a sanitarium due to his mental health conditions.

As Secretary of Labor, Frances faces numerous challenges. She works on implementing New Deal programs, including the Civilian Conservation Corps. She also navigates complex political relationships, including tensions with other administration members like Hugh Johnson. She continues to push for her Social Security plan, facing opposition from various quarters. She also works on refugee resettlement, helping Jewish children escape Nazi Germany.

Throughout her tenure, Frances balances her demanding career with her personal life, including caring for her daughter and dealing with her husband’s illness. In 1934, Frances is involved in resolving a major strike in San Francisco, preventing potential bloodshed by convincing Franklin not to send in federal troops. This incident strengthens her position in the administration. Alongside this career success, Frances faces personal challenges, including a car accident and her daughter’s health issues. She also deals with the loss of her close friend Mary, who dies from complications following a hunting accident.

Despite setbacks and opposition, Frances continues to push for her Social Security plan. In 1935, after much political maneuvering and public support, the Social Security Act is finally passed, and Franklin signs it into law. The Epilogue jumps to 1963, where an elderly Frances is preparing to give a speech at the 50th anniversary of the Department of Labor’s creation. She reflects on the changes she’s witnessed, including World War II, Franklin’s death, and the rise of the civil rights movement. Frances meets with President John F. Kennedy, who thanks her for her contributions to the country.