The problem was that there were several stories that must have fit into multiple sections and rather than just tell them once-they were repeated. Also, events are organized by topics and broken down into sections. The writing is not done in chronologic order so there is a fair amount of jumping around in time.
But, be aware the first quarter of the book was difficult going until it got better-so be prepared to give it some time. Then White, the narrator, seemed to relax and the reading improved and I was able to go back to the normal slower speed. The narration started out sounding stilted and super slow and drawn out-so much so that for a while I had the speed turned up to 1.25. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedy's private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husband's assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixon's resignation and President Clinton's impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House. She reveals the intimacy between the first family and the people who serve them as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. Over the course of the day, they gather in the lower level's basement kitchen to share stories, trade secrets, forge lifelong friendships, and sometimes even fall in love.Ĭombining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff members - many speaking for the first time - with archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story.
These dedicated professionals maintain the six-floor mansion's 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, three elevators, and eight staircases and prepare everything from hors d'oeuvres for intimate gatherings to meals served at elaborate state dinners. Full of stories and details by turns dramatic, humorous, and heartwarming, The Residence reveals daily life in the White House as it is really lived through the voices of the maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers, and others who tend to the needs of the president and first family. No one has insight into their true character like the people who serve their meals and make their beds every day. A remarkable history with elements of both In the President's Secret Service and The Butler, The Residence offers an intimate account of the service staff of the White House, from the Kennedys to the Obamas.Īmerica's first families are unknowable in many ways.
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