Washington Through a Purple Veil: Memoirs of a Southern Woman

by Lindy Boggs

An influential legislator discusses her early childhood exposure to politics, her participation in her husband's career, her experiences as a mother to three prominent children, and her life since her husband's disappearance. 40,000 first printing. Tour.

Genres: Biography, Politics, Memoir, Nonfiction

392 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Kt. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though she is an interesting woman who led an interesting life, Lindy Boggs' prose is so self-centered and... old ladyish that I keep putting the book down. Reading her memoir is like listening to a favored aunt at tea. She meanders around and, when when anecdote reminds her of something, off she goes without trying to make a connection to Thought Thread No. 1. I'm sorry, Mary, I am trying. But I can smell her Jean Nate from here. : )

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enlightening book for me. I never realized all the intricate things a politician goes through once they are in office. Not to mention all the planning and scheduling that the wives of these politicians go through. This book is also full of political history. Lindy Boggs was there to see it all. She also raised 3 children while juggling a life as a politicians wife. When she lost her husband, Hale, in a plane crash, she stepped right in to his shoes and ran for congress. This is a very interesting book, if you want to know more about the history of Washington this is the book for you.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been born and raised in Louisiana, Lindy Boggs' over the top descriptions were amusing and informative. In coming from that area, the proverbial wisdom is that you halve any compliment and then slice off another quarter of it to get to the truth. In Lindy's words, things weren't good or great, they were superlative, magnificent and unsurpassed. All individuals regardless of their affiliation were good at heart and could be counted on.

That being said, it is an informative and illustrative book, chronicling her family life, her support of Hale Boggs, and her entrance into politics after his untimely death. And the descriptions of New Orleans and southern Louisiana are "impeccable".

The history of the Boggs family and politics up until the late 80s was absorbing to read from her positive representation of all that was accomplished. I was growing up during those years of protests, civil rights demonstrations and the fight for gender equality. Her insider view of how things were accomplished added a great deal to my understanding.

[Monte Lamb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Boggs and her husband were very active in politics with her husband, Hale, reaching the position of House Majority Leader. When he was lost and never found while flying in Alaska, she took over his House seat and held it for many years. I found the most interesting part of this book the reflections on growing up in an upper crust home in Louisiana in the 1920's-30's. The vestiges of the old plantation culture in the South was apparent in her youth. The book did touch on many details of what was occurring politically while she and her husband were in the Congress, but I found the book was mostly name dropping for so many of her "very best friends." It became overwhelming at times. These folks were very important politically and I respect them both for their efforts and accomplishments, but the book is boring in many places.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish it was more of a memoir than a day-by-day description of all the famous politicians that she knew. At first, it was very interesting and personable. I loved it ... until she got to Washington D.C., then the list of names started to take over and the lack of personal tidbits dried up except for a very few memorable quotes one of her children/grandchildren said.

I was disappointed because I have heard of Mrs. Boggs before and wanted to read something about her. This book just wasn't my favorite this year.

[Sally Kenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's too kind to everyone, but I still learned an immense amount about Louisinana politics and women and politics from this book.