If you’ve ever wondered what sex between Bill and Hillary Clinton may be like — because, of course you have! — well, wonder no further, readers. Just pick up a copy of Rodham.
Images of Hill and Bill, albeit younger versions of them, in every sexual position imaginable now occupy more space in my brain than I once thought possible.
Thanks for that, Curtis Sittenfeld.
What’s Rodham about?
Despite the fact that I had to poke out my mind’s eye for most of Part I of the book….I enjoyed Rodham. It’s a clever re-imagining of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s life if she had stayed “Hillary Rodham” — i.e., if she had not married Bill Clinton.
Rodham is broken up into three parts. The first is when Hillary meets Bill in her early twenties and dates him for several years, despite his proclivity for being a “ladies’ man” (ahem). In the second part, we see her post-Bill breakup and her making a name for herself in the academic and political arena. The third and final part focuses on Hillary’s campaign to become America’s first woman president.
What I liked about Rodham
Re-tellings are one of my favorite genres, but it’s rare you find a re-imagining of the life story of someone who’s still living. Sittenfeld based a lot of Rodham on facts, both personal and political, but much of it is imagined, too. (And I’m not just talking about the Hill and Bill sexcapades.) Rodham does a great job of weaving fact and fiction together to create a raw, honest, and interesting, if slightly pizzazz-less novel about “the road not taken.”
Since so much of the novel dwells on Hillary’s campaigns to become senator and then president, there’s a lot of political detail in the book. A LOT. Some of it’s kinda neat to learn about — like, how many people it takes to pull off a successful (or floundering) campaign, or what goes into deciding what the public will or will not approve of.
These details didn’t necessarily make Rodham a riveting read. But, they didn’t bore me to tears, which is saying something considering I tend to avoid entertainment centered around politics. I haven’t even watched West Wing, for crying out loud.
Women in American politics is a tough road
Among the political stuff, you’re privy to alternative Hillary’s most personal thoughts and feelings, which paint a portrait of a highly intelligent, honest, formidable, and, most importantly, very likeable woman. You’ll recognize certain events and speeches and professions in Hillary’s life, even if you’re not politically savvy. Rodham actually made me want to learn about the real Hillary’s life.
On a related and more depressing note, the novel heavily focuses on the hypocrisy in how women are treated in comparison to men, and the blatant sexism women face on a daily basis, even if you’re not gunning for the highest political office in the country. So, warning: don’t give this book to your sexist pig relatives. They won’t enjoy it.
Speaking of sexist pigs! Donald Trump makes an amusing cameo in Rodham. I’d wondered if he would, in this alternate reality of Sittenfeld’s imagination. I’d like to be able to say that the fictionalized Trump is a caricature of himself, but nope. Sittenfeld captures him exactly as he is, with his trademark buffoonery barreling like a bull in a china closet through all the reimagined scenarios.
It made me laugh, but only because if I didn’t laugh, I’d cry.
Should you read Rodham?
You’ll want to read Rodham if you’re a fan of Sittenfeld’s books. And if, like me, you’re wondering about what life might have been like if the 2016 election had gone a different way … well, glean what solace you can from this re-imagining of our America.
And, speaking of crying…the end of Rodham made me tear up. It really did. Hillary and her earnest, determined spirit grew on me over the course of the novel, and Rodham’s Hillary made me wonder how much of the real Hillary is actually in the fictional woman, and vice versa.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for Rodham?
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Ratatouille Pasta.
So interesting that it’s a retelling. I love that What if stuff. It’s cool to think about.
But omg I don’t know if I could read about all the sexual positions Bill and Hillary get into. I don’t know if I want to picture that.😂
Speaking of sexist pigs…you crack me up!! That was a perfect segue.
Despite the sex, sounds like an interesting book. Maybe I’ll pick it up one day! So many books…
I’m the same way, Lauren — love exploring other possible lives, stories, or outcomes. It’s a sure way to get me hooked everytime. And, admittedly, the sexcapades are pretty hilarious — you might want to poke out your mind’s eye, but you’ll laugh while doing it. 🙂
Hahahaha you are a MUCH better person than me! I would DEFINITELY give Rodham to my sexist pig relatives! 😂
hahaha, Sheree, you’re right!! Perhaps this book IS the perfect gift. 😉