Franklin Delano Roosevelt's lineage includes a significant historical tie to the opium trade, as his grandfather, Warren Delano, amassed considerable wealth through this controversial business. This aspect of the family's history is not publicly celebrated or openly acknowledged by the Roosevelts, highlighting a complex relationship with their past.

Bill Bryson's book, "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," delves into the intricacies of personal histories and societal norms, offering insights into how such legacies shape perspectives and identities. The Roosevelt family's connection to opium trading serves as a reminder that prominent figures often have shadows in their backgrounds that they may prefer to keep hidden.