Mrs. Nixon

novel by Beattie

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July 20, 2026

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Ann Beattie's novel Mrs. Nixon (2011) imagines the life of first lady Pat Nixon. Beattie's characters often struggle to adapt to changing cultural values, and her writing style is known for its detached, unemotional prose. The novel also delves into the art of writing itself. Pat Nixon, wife of President Richard Nixon, was known for her espousal of volunteerism during her time in the White House. The book The Selling of the President, 1968 by Joe McGinniss also discusses how Richard Nixon's public image was remade for the 1968 presidential campaign, highlighting the influence of television advertising on political perception.123

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Ann Beattie
In the unconventional novel Mrs. Nixon (2011), Beattie imagined the life of first lady Pat Nixon and also discussed the art of writing. A Wonderful Stroke of Luck, her 21st book, was published in 2019. Beattie’s other works included the children’s book Spectacles (1985), which deals with the supernatural,…
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In the unconventional novel Mrs. Nixon (2011), Beattie imagined the life of first lady Pat Nixon and also discussed the art of writing. A Wonderful Stroke of Luck, her 21st book, was published in 2019. Beattie’s other works included the children’s book Spectacles (1985), which deals with the supernatural,…
Read More