Mary Swigonski

Letters from Eleanor Roosevelt is Mary’s debut novel. However, she has published nonfiction books and articles in the areas of social justice, human rights, feminism, and LGBTQ issues. Mary also gathers stories, allegories, and fables about strong women, social justice and human rights at JustAlchemy.com. She enjoys reading historical novels, mysteries, fantasy and retold fairy tales. When she is not writing or curled up with a good book, you can find her kayaking the flat waters of Cape Cod or enjoying a conversation, food, and maybe a glass of wine with friends.

Mary is an Emeritus faculty member at the School of Social Work at Monmouth University. She has earned a BA in politics from de Sales University, Center Valley, Pa; an M.S.W. from Marywood University, Scranton, Pa; a Ph.D. in social work from Rutgers, the State University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

You can find out more about Mary’s writing at MarySwigonski.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter “Behold the Women,” or on Twitter @MarySwig.

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Letters from Eleanor Roosevelt

Women Fiction

Letters from Eleanor Roosevelt is the story of Joan Zatańczy and her determination to graduate from Barnard College, the obstacles she encounters, and the secrets she uncovers along the way.

The story begins on the eve of Joan’s 21st birthday as her mother gives Joan a sack of letters from Eleanor Roosevelt, hoping Joan will find a senior thesis topic in them.
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The story unfolds in Joan’s letters to her best friend, Yanina, an Israeli Kibbutznick. It is the story of Joan’s loss of innocence (her college advisor seduces her), & her growing conflicts (she discovers she is pregnant, files a paternity suit, & faces dismissal from the college). Joan’s letters celebrate the strength of women and of the power of Mrs. Roosevelt’s letters in bolstering the strength and resilience of Joan’s character.

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