Rodham

A Novel

By: Curtis Sittenfeld

Narrated by: Carrington MacDuffie

New York Times Best Seller

From the author of American Wife and Eligible.... He proposed. She said no. And it changed her life forever.

“A deviously clever what if.” (O: The Oprah Magazine)
“Immersive, escapist.” (Good Morning America)
“Ingenious.” (The New York Times)

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

In 1971, Hillary Rodham is a young woman full of promise: Life magazine has covered her Wellesley commencement speech, she’s attending Yale Law School, and she’s on the forefront of student activism and the women’s rights movement. And then she meets Bill Clinton. A handsome, charismatic southerner and fellow law student, Bill is already planning his political career. In each other, the two find a profound intellectual, emotional, and physical connection that neither has previously experienced.

In the real world, Hillary followed Bill back to Arkansas, and he proposed several times; although she said no more than once, as we all know, she eventually accepted and became Hillary Clinton.

But in Curtis Sittenfeld’s powerfully imagined tour-de-force of fiction, Hillary takes a different road. Feeling doubt about the prospective marriage, she endures their devastating breakup and leaves Arkansas. Over the next four decades, she blazes her own trail - one that unfolds in public as well as in private, that involves crossing paths again (and again) with Bill Clinton, that raises questions about the tradeoffs all of us must make in building a life.

Brilliantly weaving a riveting fictional tale into actual historical events, Curtis Sittenfeld delivers an uncannily astute and witty story for our times. In exploring the loneliness, moral ambivalence, and iron determination that characterize the quest for political power, as well as both the exhilaration and painful compromises demanded of female ambition in a world still run mostly by men, Rodham is a singular and unforgettable novel.

©2020 Curtis Sittenfeld (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[Curtis] Sittenfeld is a clear thinker, a canny observer, and a solid, graceful stylist.” (The Washington Post Book World)

“Whatever [Sittenfeld] writes, we’ll read it.” (People)

“[Sittenfeld] is a skilled storyteller. [She] delivers a well-told, compelling story about characters so real they settle into your psyche like old friends.” (Associated Press)

“Sittenfeld makes writing lively and diverting fiction look easy.” (Chicago Tribune)

Fascinating!

I LOVED this book! Historical alternative universe, plus insightful 👏👍The author helped us imagine a different outcome working with the same facts! EXCELLENT!

Narration was off

I agree with the other comments that the narrator didn’t work well with the story. I enjoyed this alternative history though it made me sad. Bill Clinton is portrayed as quite a monster! Don’t regret this in spite of the poor narration.

Spellbinding!

Imaginative alternative universe where so much is different and so much is the same. Love the way she characterizes the Clintons and other historical figures. A must listen! Superb performance by the narrator.

Imagination is impressive not the delivery

Overall I was impressed by Sittenfeld's imagination. It could have been much more enjoyable to follow, had I opted for the print book. Sequences of different events, jumping from one year to next made it a somewhat difficult audiobook to seamlessly continue. I think I got the ending I would have preferred in real life, that is why I say I was and am impressed with how much thought Sittenfeld has put into this work. Her background research was also solid and the book did allude (or more directly address) some of the real-life events that still might have/would have happened in the world of fiction. I would recommend giving this book a try, but preferentially a paper version.

Revisionist history in the best way

Pants suit nation fan fiction - but so fun and also thought provoking. One small change, one decision, opens up an entirely different path.

Rodham: A Riveting Portrait of Resilience (despite the narration)

Rodham" by Curtis Sittenfeld captivated me from start to finish. This imaginative exploration of an alternative history where Hillary Rodham never marries Bill Clinton is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Sittenfeld's portrayal of Hillary is nothing short of motivating—she emerges as a resilient and principled figure navigating the treacherous waters of American politics with integrity and strength.

I was particularly struck by the stark contrast between Hillary's moral compass and the unscrupulous behavior of many male politicians around her. The novel doesn't shy away from highlighting the challenges and sacrifices that women often face in their careers, especially in a field as cutthroat as politics. It was heartbreaking to see Hillary's struggles with finding love and sexual fulfillment, a poignant reminder of the different standards and pressures placed on women compared to their male peers.

Despite these personal hardships, Hillary's unwavering dedication to doing the right thing shines throught. She stands as a true role model, embodying the kind of leadership and ethical commitment that is all too rare in the political landscape. The book's portrayal of her as a complex, ambitious, and deeply human character made it impossible for me to put it down.

Yet another brilliant novel from Ms Sittenfeld

This is a very fine novel, as a novel, whether or not the alt history / biographical aspect interests you. Like all Ms Sittenfeld's novels, there's a wonderful exercise of the creative imagination. I have no idea what the actual Ms Clinton is like, but having read one of her books (after this one) I'd say that Ms S captures her tone, or rather the tone she'd have had if she'd lived the life narrated in the novel, including many years as a law prof. The book is also quite impossible to put down. She does not fall into any of the roman a clef temptations that must've presented themselves -- there's just enough Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. I awaited this book eagerly, bought it once, and can't wait for whatever she does next. It's time to go back and listen to Sisterland and American Wife again, and the rest. The performance of the book is also excellent.

A Worthwhile “What If” Story

The narrator was exceptional. So many audiobooks can lose my interest just for this.

“What If” stories are always a favorite of mine. I admire the creativity. This story covers a long span of time in the subject’s life.

I noticed the Trolls have already started to try to ruin the ratings of this book. They’re easy to spot. Ignore them.

I hope you also enjoy this worthwhile well written book, so creatively imagined; a great listen about Rodham.

beyond wonderful

Absolutely a must read for anyone who cares about equal rights/ human rights and justice. Wonderful narration of what could have been.

Had High Hopes, But Disapponted

I was captivated by the premise of this book and had really enjoyed American Wife, so I had high hopes. But rather than adding more dimensions to Hillary Rodham, Sittenfield turned her into a fairly dull and unlikable person. Too bad, because some of the plot twists that came from the premise were intriguing.