One Ordinary Man

By: Steve Vesce

Narrated by: Phillip Nathaniel Freeman

One Ordinary Man is a historically accurate novel about the inspiring, surprising, and remarkable true story of Harry L. Hopkins—one ordinary man who grew from obscurity to play a leading and pivotal role in helping America overcome the Great Depression, defeat Fascism, and win World War II.

One Ordinary Man is a vibrant, witty, and captivating story that is at once, both human and larger than life. A story that captures the times, adversity, and incredible accomplishments of a largely forgotten American hero whose abiding faith in America and its democracy drove him to overcome incredible odds and lift his country up from the darkest depths of its Great Depression to victory in World War II.

There is no surprise ending in One Ordinary Man. The story itself is the surprise. And Hopkins’s story delivers a steady stream of new discoveries about America and his achievements.

©2025 Steve Vesce (P)2025 Steve Vesce

Critic 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

Interesting look at an interesting man

I enjoyed this book. I've always liked reading about Hopkins and this novel told the story in an engrossing way. He was an important man to FDR during The Depression and WW2.

Harry Hopkins: A truly extraordinary American

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical content of this book. The conversations both personal and business in nature were fascinating. The writer has exceptional talent of seamless storytelling.

Excellent dialogue

Felt like I was in the room with FDR, Churchill, Stalin, and our hero, Harry Hopkins. Just finished the book yesterday and I already miss them all.
Well done to the author & narrator!

Good story less the made up romance.

Additional fictional romance/sex stories were included for entertainment. They did nothing to enhance the story. I’m assuming those reading this book are interested in history- not a Harlequin romance novel. Thank goodness for fast-forward.