Rodham – Curtis Sittenfeld

Description

Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld is a captivating reimagining of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s life, exploring an alternate history where she chooses a different path than the one that led her to become the First Lady and later Secretary of State. In 1971, Hillary is a bright, ambitious young woman, attending Yale Law School and becoming a prominent voice in student activism and the women’s rights movement. Her future seems limitless—until she meets Bill Clinton, a charismatic, ambitious law student. The two quickly form a deep, intellectual, emotional, and physical bond. But in Sittenfeld’s alternate history, Hillary rejects the prospect of marriage to Bill, leaving him behind and forging a new, independent path.

The novel explores the ripple effects of that pivotal decision, depicting Hillary’s journey over the next four decades as she navigates political power, personal ambition, and public life, while frequently crossing paths with Bill Clinton. Rodham is a brilliant, fictionalised narrative that blends real historical events with a compelling alternative storyline. Sittenfeld’s astute examination of female ambition, the personal sacrifices required for success, and the complexities of navigating a male-dominated world makes this a unique and timely novel.

A must-read for those who enjoy speculative fiction based on real-life figures, Rodham is also for anyone intrigued by the intersection of power, gender, and the choices that shape our lives.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New Yorker • NPR • The Washington Post • Marie Claire • Cosmopolitan (UK) • Town & Country • New York Post