The New York Times and USA Today BestsellerIn a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph–a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American … father and shaped an American legacy.
From her earliest days, Patsy Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate, protector, and constant companion in the wake of her mother’s death, traveling with him when he becomes American minister to France.
It is in Paris, at the glittering court and among the first tumultuous days of revolution, that fifteen-year-old Patsy learns about her father’s troubling liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl her own age. Meanwhile, Patsy has fallen in love–with her father’s protégé William Short, a staunch abolitionist and ambitious diplomat. Torn between love, principles, and the bonds of family, Patsy questions whether she can choose a life as William’s wife and still be a devoted daughter.
Her choice will follow her in the years to come, to Virginia farmland, Monticello, and even the White House. And as scandal, tragedy, and poverty threaten her family, Patsy must decide how much she will sacrifice to protect her father’s reputation, in the process defining not just his political legacy, but that of the nation he founded.
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This book was so so unreal. It was historical fiction, heavy on unbelievable fictionx1b.
Well written
I you like historical fiction, you’ll love this book. I’ve always been interested in Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemmings. This story is from his daughter’s viewpoint. While I’m not quite finished, I love what I’ve read so far.
Left me wondering how much is fact
and fiction; I need to do more research.
Interesting read and since it’s based on actual letters, I imagine it’s largely accurate. However, I wish we had more of a glimpse into Sally Hemings and her children. They are part of this story, but seem to be only on the edges. I’m sure that’s how it really was, the slaves were seen and not heard much, probably. But I would have liked for the authors to imagine more of her character and interactions with the others. We only see her in the peripheral…Yet, she had a long relationship with Jefferson and Monticello.
I thoroughly enjoy reading about women who I consider heroines. Patsy/Martha Jefferson did not disappoint!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I was drawn to her strength but at the same time a bit put off as to her loyalty to her father at her own expense. I could recognize the influence of the social times to understand this as well as the treatment of the black servants/mistresses and their offspring.
Insightful to me as I am not well versed at all in history
I had read a couple of books about Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Martha, but this book fleshed out her story and made her seem more likable.
This book makes history come alive!
A wonderful way to relearn and better remember history.
This is a well-written, researched historical novel.
I really enjoyed this book. It was based on real history. While dialogue was created it was a very interesting read.
Wonderful perspective on Thomas Jefferson’s role in creating our new nation told in the voice of his eldest daughter Martha. A palpable story of the era from the US to France. A story that stays with me to this day. Based on actual letters written by the Jeffersons, Lafayette, Adams and other historical luminaries of the day.
A wonderful perspective on the historical figures and events.
Incredibly well-written novel of the time of the American Revolution. Very insightful information on some of the founding fathers! Fabulous
Loved the history!
I enjoyed the story told from the perspective of Jeffersons daughter
Fabulous!
This is a book of history! I loved it and am recommending it to my bookclub.
I have visited Monticello, but after reading this book I need to go back and really look at it again. I remember the alcove sleeping arrangements, but now I can picture Patsy and Tom in theirs, the ingenious clock that the president invented, and some of the other places in the house that the book brought back to my memory. I read this book for hours at a time and hated to see it come to an end.