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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I enjoy this historical fiction book very much!
Great book
This is a good book about the 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 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.
Her life is chronicled through the years as her father’s helpmeet, steadfastly at his side through the revolutionary years in France, the White House years acting as his First Lady, and his old age when the nation he helped found hit its growing pains. The research is meticulous, the writing marvelous, and the uglier aspects of the time period (slavery and its manifold evils) are not swept under the rug or glossed over. An absorbing, compelling read!
An immediately engaging read, proving that truly great men have great women behind them. I’m planning to re-read this one.
makes you feel like looking into a part of history. Interesting perspective and Historic characters.
LOVED it! I wonder if it is true~
I liked this book so much that it inspired one of my own. Patsy Jefferson was a remarkable woman in her own right and this book is a page turner that also manages to educate you about a woman who deserves to be remembered. This is a great feat in both research and storytelling–a really hard combo to balance so beautifully. Stephanie and Laura make a great team.
This was a wonderful book about a woman I knew nothing about. I don’t want to give anything away but if you love historical fiction than this is the book for you.
I felt that this book took some truths but it was basically a book of fiction posing as truth
Authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie really did their research for this book. I’m a huge Thomas Jefferson follower. They really nailed to tone and complexity of the times. Martha “Patsy” Jefferson became her father’s confidant, secret keeper and protector after her mother’s death. Patsy must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect her father and the nation he founded.
Soo interesting….Now I really know “the rest of the story”.
It’s been awhile since I read this book. I was thoroughly engrossed though and found it a fascinating look into the Jefferson family and the love story of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Henning. Very interesting times.
Miss Jefferson’s dedication to her father was inspirational.
I am a huge fan of America history and really enjoyed this book. However, I felt it dragged on a bit and could of ended a lot sooner. Hence the 4 stars.
Fascinating historical fiction told from the perspective of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter. I enjoyed learning more about the political and personal life of Jefferson. What intrigued me the most was the strength of the women who supported the men.
Loved this book. Laura and Stephanie write books that are readable. I learned a lot that I didn’t know even though I have read a lot about Thomas Jefferson.
Who knew the life of Thomas Jefferson was so twisted and intertwined with his daughter, Martha (Patsy) Jefferson Randolph, would be so sad and filled with life’s unfortunate events? This could have happened today. Patsy was such a survivor with an alcoholic husband and eleven children on her father’s plantation, Monticello all during the founding of our country. Without Patsy, Monticello would have never been finished. And, her father’s life with Sally Hemmings is a tale of its own.
Be sure to read this well written book that becomes a real page turner. Happily with a satisfying ending. If you like historical fiction, this one will hook you.
Although it’s an historical novel, the authors have truly done their research to describe the lives of Thomas Jefferson, his family, the impact that Jefferson had on our fledgling country, and the dichotomy of a man who thought all men were equal, but owned slaves. The details about his relationship with Sally Hemings, as recounted by his eldest daughter, Martha (Patsy) were very illuminating. An enlightening read for history buffs.
Although it isn’t the historical page-turner I was expecting, “America’s First Daughter” was intriguing and entertaining. It provides good background on the characters’ lives, American and French history, social mores, and the importance of written communications between family, friends and enemies. The novel provides a good reminder that even intelligent, educated people make mistakes, and generally make a mess of their lives.
Where are more stars???? I haven’t read a historical fiction novel in many years that has left such an impression. It wasn’t just me. My two teenage sons became addicted to the story as well.
As a homeschooling mother I am always looking for ways to encourage learning. This book did that and so much more. The book was so well written that we were transported to an earlier time. Some characters left such an impact that they happily researched and completed assignments so they could go on to the next chapters.
I had to stop myself for moving ahead because I would start discussing what happened in chapters they had not read. This is the most fun I have ever had studying Thomas Jefferson. The insight the book gave into his life and the people around him as made me want to know and understand more.
My only disappointment is that that authors’ next book will be after my children are done with school. I am sure that they will gladly read it and discuss the things that have influenced America.
I am usually very critical of 18th century themed works because I live and research within the time period every day via my job. This was entertaining and the world they created for the characters to live in, was realistic. I love the characterization and the personality that was portrayed in the leading lady and you really get to see her develop.