One Ordinary Man - A novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins

Steve Vesce

Book cover for One Ordinary Man - A novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins
Image for variant 9798999645319
Book cover for One Ordinary Man - A novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins
Image for variant 9798999645319

One Ordinary Man - A novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins

One Ordinary Man - A novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins

Steve Vesce

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Description

"Vesce...manages to pique reader interest through his passionate dedication to historical detail.... he knows how to spin a good historical yarn. Vesce's larger-than-life portrait of Hopkins reminds that there really is some truth to the whole "Greatest Generation.." - Kirkus Reviews

"I could hear the echoes of my grandfather's voice in the words Steve Vesce put in his mouth ... my grandfather came to life for me...a fascinating read from cover to cover." - Dr. June Hopkins, Professor of History, Emerita

"Fleet, revealing novel ...with... plenty of canny dialogue... many crisply told moments that breathe life into the historical facts. Vesce's fleet scenecraft captures sharp exchanges... the material... abounds with achievements and surprises." - Booklife Reviews

Ordinary Man is the critically acclaimed and historically accurate novel about the inspiring, surprising, and remarkable true story of Harry L. Hopkins-one ordinary man who grew from obscurity to play a leading and pivotal role in helping America overcome the Great Depression, defeat Fascism, and win World War II.

It is a vibrant, witty, and captivating story that is at once, both human and larger than life. A story that captures the times, adversity, and incredible accomplishments of an inspiring American hero whose abiding faith in American democracy drove him to overcome incredible challenges and lift his country up from the darkest depths of the Great Depression to victory in World War II.

There is no surprise ending in One Ordinary Man. The story itself is the surprise-delivering a steady stream of new discoveries about Hopkins's and America's achievements.

One Ordinary Man. One Extraordinary Destiny.

Critical Reviews

"Beginning with page one of the novel, One Ordinary Man, I recognized the importance of this book... It is not only historically accurate, but it also reveals the author's knowledge of the major players on the world stage, especially Harry Hopkins. I could hear the echoes of my grandfather's voice in the words Steve Vesce put in his mouth and I recognized the familiar tone of the conversations he creates.His descriptions of my grandfather's interactions with world figures as well as family members all ring true... my grandfather came to life for me...a fascinating read from cover to cover."

Dr. June Hopkins, Harry Hopkins's Granddaughter & Professor of History, Emerita

"Vesce...manages to pique reader interest through his passionate dedication to historical detail.... he knows how to spin a good historical yarn. Vesce's larger-than-life portrait of Hopkins reminds that there really is some truth to the whole "Greatest Generation...".

Kirkus Reviews

"Fleet, revealing novel of FDR's indispensable deputy fighting the Depression and the Nazis. This brisk, lively novel imagines the world-changing life of Harry L. Hopkins.... crafting fictionalized incidents that honor the historical record. Vesce favors a reportorial approach...with... plenty of canny dialogue... many crisply told moments that breathe life into the historical facts. Vesce's fleet scenecraft captures sharp exchanges... the material... abounds with achievements and surprises."

Booklife Reviews

"Steve Vesce's 'One Ordinary Man' is a wonderful gift to us... a fascinating page-turner of a read... This story serves to remind us of a time past when brilliance, tireless dedication and self-sacrifice could make the world a better and safer place... Read this book for inspiration and hope that there are still such men and women out there to lead us to a better future."

David Heiman, Retired Management and Practice Leader Partner, Jones Day, a global law firm

"There is nothing ordinary about the Man and nothing ordinary about the Book. As a lifelong history buff, One Ordinary Man elevated my love of history to a new level. It's like a time machine. I actually felt like I was there with Harry. Steve's writing is bold and brilliant."

Bob Trimper, Retired President, Rank Xerox, Middle East Africa

"Steve Vesce's first novel is a cinematic piece of historical fiction about Harry Hopkins.... It's a smooth read, which is calling for a smart producer to turn into a film. Enjoy this story about the FDR era, and you'll inevitably contrast it with what's going on today."

Michael Hirsh, Author/Journalist

Publishing Information

Publisher: Verlibri Media LLC
Pub date: 2025-10-15
Length: 622 pages

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