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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Loved it because it was based on history and characters were real.
Easy to read and holds your attention.
How do you begin to describe a book that moved you to your very core? So well written, the words drew me in and held me fast, begging my return each time I attempted to lay the book aside. The pages nearly turned themselves. From the very start, Patsy was laid bare in a way she likely never would have allowed, being a Jefferson with ice blood in her veins, her character built masterfully. (I loved the author’s note at the end, explaining just how much they derived from actual letters and documents, as well as where and why they took their fictional liberties.) So many complications, so many contradictions, so many secret conflicts…both Patsy and this time in America’s infancy. It’s so easy to look back at these times, these individuals, with contemporary judgment, and allow it to completely blot out the honor and legacy of these patriots who were present — no, *pivotal* — at the birth of a nation. This book captured the nuance, the humanity, the sacrifices and the suffering that tempered the triumphs. Sometimes captivating, other times heartbreaking, the range of emotions this book brought to the surface for me — all the qualities of a story successfully told. Patsy Jefferson Randolph will stay with me for a long time.
It revealed a lot about the forming of our country. Based on letters and documents although written as fiction.
An interesting and informative read about the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. The characters were well described and the story line was highly entertaining. The role of women at that time was believable yet troubling.
A serious look into the life of Thomas Jefferson through the eyes of his daughter. Amazingly fascinating and educational and a perfect read for our complex times.
This book gave great insight into the Jefferson family and how much influence his daughter had on Jefferson and our country. Very good,
It is a good read . . . but parts just didn’t feel right. The author chose to portray Jefferson’s daughter (and her daughters) as abused wives. Yet she almost constantly lets her female characters declare and celebrate their intelligence, privilege and ability to control their own lives.
Gives a great description of historical characters and broadens your understanding of those who shaped early America.
While it is a romantic book, it is well written and very informative. Thomas Jefferson documented so much of his life and much was written about him while he was alive, so I fact checked as I read. But at the end of the book the authors write an after word justifying more than I was willing to fact check. His daughter was a very large part of his life, in spite of her marriage and multiple pregnancies and children. She sounds like the type of women that would be a leader in these times. I think Patsy Martha Jefferson would relate and inspire most women today.
I did not know much about Patsy Jefferson, or her complex relationship with her father Thomas Jefferson. I love historical fiction and really enjoyed this one. The author really brought the characters to life and I feel like I learned more about the American and French revolutions than I knew before. My only real complaint about the book was that it felt quite long at times. But still enjoyable.
There are historical inaccuracies that can’t be explained by plot devices. The people seem to mostly have current time sensibilities that isn’t supported by their actions and likely are just to make them more sympathetic to today’s readers. Granted, writing historical fiction is tough but plenty of other authors do a great job–like Sharon Kay Penman or Diana Gabaldon–by doing appropriate historical research.
History, romance and adventure and it’s all in this novel. It’s a wonderful read!
Learned much about founding father, Thomas Jefferson and that period of our history. Life was so difficult for so many.
Wonderful book! Very informative while being entertained.
Loved this book! I laughed and cried through it. I will never know how much of the story was historically accurate, but the story gave me a great foundation into the Jefferson family.
This book is not a quick read. It’s long and occasionally bogs down with the main character’s imagination and rumination, but I really enjoyed it. The book is the story of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Patsy. She was a young girl when her mother died and grew very close to her father as he served as the French Ambassador. Even in later life, after her marriage she often served as his hostess and supported him. It’s an interesting take on one of our Founding Fathers. I do feel like some of the dissertations on slavery were written from a modern perspective although the conflict of ideals and practicality surely existed. Thought provoking and informative, yet fun to read about life in the 1700s.
Certainly an eye opener – had no idea that things were that twisted back in time.
It is the sad fictional tale of real life historical figures.
History made real!
A lot more to the T Jefferson story than the Declaration of Independence. This book focuses on the often difficult lives of the women.