Reviews
"Beginning with page one of the novel, One Ordinary Man, I recognized the importance of this book… It is not only historically accurate, but it also reveals the author’s knowledge of the major players on the world stage, especially Harry Hopkins. I could hear the echoes of my grandfather’s voice in the words Steve Vesce put in his mouth and I recognized the familiar tone of the conversations he creates. His descriptions of my grandfather's interactions with world figures as well as family members all ring true… my grandfather came to life for me…a fascinating read from cover to cover.”
Dr. June Hopkins
Harry Hopkins’s Granddaughter
Professor of History, Emerita
Author
“Biographical fiction at it very best... "One Ordinary Man" is no ordinary novel. It is a work of deftly crafted and inherently fascinating fiction from an author whose storytelling talents raise the novel to an impressively level of literary excellence. All the more impressive when considering that this is author Steve Vesce's debut novel, "One Ordinary Many" is absorbing, entertaining, and highly recommended for community library Historical Fiction collections.”
Midwest Book Review
“Fleet, revealing novel of FDR’s indispensable deputy fighting the Depression and the Nazis. This brisk, lively novel imagines the world-changing life of Harry L. Hopkins…. crafting fictionalized incidents that honor the historical record. Vesce favors a reportorial approach…with… plenty of canny dialogue… many crisply told moments that breathe life into the historical facts. Vesce’s fleet scenecraft captures sharp exchanges… the material… abounds with achievements and surprises.”
Booklife Reviews
“Vesce…manages to pique reader interest through his passionate dedication to historical detail…. he knows how to spin a good historical yarn. Vesce’s larger-than-life portrait of Hopkins reminds that there really is some truth to the whole “Greatest Generation…”
Kirkus Reviews
“Steve Vesce’s ‘One Ordinary Man’ is a wonderful gift to us… a fascinating page-turner of a read… This story serves to remind us of a time past when brilliance, tireless dedication and self-sacrifice could make the world a better and safer place… Read this book for inspiration and hope that there are still such men and women out there to lead us to a better future.”
David Heiman
Retired Management and Practice Leader Partner
Jones Day, a global law firm
“There is nothing ordinary about the Man and nothing ordinary about the Book. As a lifelong history buff, One Ordinary Man elevated my love of history to a new level. It's like a time machine. I actually felt like I was there with Harry. Steve’s writing is bold and brilliant.”
Bob Trimper
Retired President, Rank Xerox, Middle East Africa
Retired Chairman Comstec, UK
"One Ordinary Man tells the life story of Harry Hopkins in a way that feels both intimate and sweeping. The story is lively, heartfelt, and often moving, and it paints a portrait of a man who shaped the world from behind the curtain…
...Scenes come alive with sharp little details that stick with you. I found myself caught up in the rhythm of the writing. It moves with a kind of pulse that mirrors Hopkins’s own restless energy...
....The writing blends historical detail with fictional color, and the story moves fast... It is a story about duty, grit, and a man who constantly drove himself forward even as his health failed him...
It is unsettling to see how familiar some of the fears and arguments feel today. The book makes that point without lecturing.... I would recommend One Ordinary Man to readers who enjoy historical fiction that feels close to real life."
Literary Titan
5
"There is something quietly compelling about a novel that attempts to balance the sweep of history with the intimacy of individual experience, and One Ordinary Man does so with a clear sense of purpose. Steve Vesce presents Harry Hopkins not as a distant political figure, but as a man defined by practicality, urgency, and an instinctive understanding of what needs to be done.... A measured and effective work of historical fiction that restores focus to a figure whose influence was central, if not always visible."
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Editorial Review
​5
“Steve Vesce’s first novel is a cinematic piece of historical fiction about Harry Hopkins…. It’s a smooth read, which is calling for a smart producer to turn into a film. Enjoy this story about the FDR era, and you’ll inevitably contrast it with what’s going on today.”
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Michael Hirsh
Author/Journalist