Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop’s last name would appear familiar among WWII-era Washington officials and socialites. Her father was a famous political journalist and related to the Roosevelt family. Blood connection aside, the historical and political context of those relationships had generational effects on their children and grandchildren. Alsop’s newest piece, Daughter of Spies: Wartime Secrets, Family Lies, is a personal and honest account of her experience as the only daughter of a UK-born former MI-5 message decoder and an American WWII-vet whose best friends were in the CIA. The subjects and environment of her parents’ story have so many layers for readers to unravel. 

Alsop’s mother, Patricia “Tish” Bankey met Stewart Alsop when he was stationed in Europe during WWII. They married very shortly after, and soon 18-year-old Tish would embark on a fascinating journey of moving to a new country and beginning anew. What she didn’t expect was having to keep up with her husband’s busy career and social life with powerful connections – all while being a dutiful wife and producing lots of children. 

But appearances can be deceiving. Beneath the surface, she struggled with alcoholism and loneliness. Consequently, her children had to learn how to cope with a drunk mother. For example, how to navigate her mood swings and depend on the live-in maids for affection and care. In fact, Alsop often had to become a second mother to her younger siblings – a role that she still takes to heart to this day. 

Even though this is Alsop’s first memoir, her vast experience as a published fiction writer shines in Daughter of Spies. Alsop’s mission was to share her mother’s story with the world. After all, Stewart Alsop was very well known in Washington and beyond. But as Tish’s dementia became more apparent, Alsop wanted to record her story while she could still communicate those memories. Consequently, the author learned more about herself and how these events shaped who she is. 

Tish and Stewart’s story is a layered one, but Alsop weaves the milestones together and adds sub-stories as she remembers them. Much of the action that featured the prominent figures of postwar America took place when Alsop was only a child. As a result, she offers readers a more intimate picture of this elite social and political circle. Therefore, readers get a deeper account of generational trauma and yet the sympathetic understanding from Alsop’s point of view. 

Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop joins the list of Cantina Conversation guests. She talks about the fascinating research process and how this experience was different than that of her previous works. She also shares advice for others dealing with a similar situation. Keep an ear out for an upcoming episode of The Nerd Cantina Show podcast and preorder Daughter of Spies: Wartime Secrets, Family Lies, available October 25.