Katharine Graham was essentially American royalty - her parents built careers and interests on their own, but built an empire. Her father purchased The Washington Post for $800,000 during the depression and laid the groundwork for the company we know today. Personal History traces Katharine's roots through her parents and illustrates the somewhat painful and sheltered childhood she led, filled with insecurity. What makes this book so fascinating is that Katharine Graham is extremely honest and self-reflective. She reveals her fears and insecurities and for much of her adult life, remained unaware at the affect she would have on The Washington Post Company. She and her husband knew many important and public figures, like the Kennedy family and other heads of state. Graham's perspective is thoughtful and true to her generation - while she calls herself a liberal, it took many years for feminism to take hold. Furthermore, it is encouraging in a sense to discover that a woman considered one of the most powerful women of her time, Graham expressed fears of failure and uncertainty, much like many of us trying to find our way. She is certainly someone who felt greatness was thrust upon her.
While the book is nearly 650 pages and covers a lot of history, it is well-paced and fresh writing. I enjoyed each section in Graham's life and while I knew how it ended, I hoped for better. I wanted her husband to get out of her way and let her shine - there was so much untapped intelligence and curiosity simmering under the surface. Personal History provides a great deal of insight into the Graham family, but also an interesting perspective on American history during the period her life covers.
- KER
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