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.
more
Could not put this book down. Recommended it to friends and family.
I bought this book from Book Bub on a whim and it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Eight years of research was done before this book of historical fiction was written and 18,000 pages of letters reviewed back-and-forth between Jefferson and his daughter. It is such a compelling book and I could not put it down. I highly recommend it. It is steeped in history and many stories we’ve never heard before came out of the letters. What an education it was. It was such a fine book I bought their next one on Alexander Hamilton‘s wife , “My Dear Hamilton.”
Great book, a look into the personal side of Thomas Jefferson’s family from his daughters perspective from a very young age throughout her life.
An excellent historical fiction. The book is lengthy, but well worth the read.
It kept me engrossed from the first page to the last, reminding me anew of the struggles our founding fathers and their families endured.
Who knew that Thomas Jefferson’s daughter would experience such heartbreak?
Good glimpse of history through the eyes of Jefferson’s daughter. She lived through a lot of tragedy, but also had an education not open to many women of that time period. She took on a lot of responsibility and was pretty amazing.
Interesting insights into that period of USA History.
This was a terrific book opening the door to understanding American history through a female relatives viewpoint.
I learned a great deal. It gave me a better sense of our third President. I enjoy reading stories about strong women.
I had reservations about reading this book because it is so long (500+ pages) but it is so well written and the people are so interesting that I was rather sad when it ended. Very informative, too, as to these historical characters.
What an incredible story woven around facts! I love reading my country’s history in an “edible” form. This was enchanting, and great lessons in American history, as well as information on France, which i am currently living in.
A well researched novelization of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha ‘Patsy’, certain to appeal to readers who enjoy historicals set in the 18thc. It paints a compelling picture of the struggles and societal restrictions women suffered under, even those from ‘progressive’ families.
I found it fascinating to learn about the oldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson and the great influence she was in the life of her father and visa-versa. There is so much to learn about the history of this great man and his family. The author did an excellent job of research for the novel. I highly recommend it to any American interested in the history of this great leader.
A real page turner….could not put it down…very informative for what life was like during that era
Easy to read, informative. Although not completely historically accurate, I learned a lot. I especially enjoyed the time period.
It gives me a glimpse of life at the time of Thomas Jefferson from his daughter’s point of view and makes it more relevant as it is from her point of view.
I particularly like historical fiction
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The historical context and candor regarding the time of slavery was enlightening. The many deaths of children was sad.
Great read! Held my rapt attention throughout. Love learning how our early forefathers built our nation and the role of strong women in those early days of our country