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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Having just seen Hamilton, I was curious about the period. This is well written with good insights but a little slow in parts.
I loved this book. I learned a great deal about American history they did not teach in school. I’ve been to Monticello and is just enhanced the book for me to be imagining the house and Mulberry Row.
This takes place before I was born. Interesting to learn about the slaves and Andrew Jackson home. I liked it and time were tough back then. The Doctors were as available to get treatment and what do you do with mental health. I think it was great. Interesting to learn about the authors and the work they did to write this book. Very good.
Excellent! I couldn’t put it down. The book made me want to research the Jefferson family.
Found it worth reading. New historical stuff I didn’t know.
However much I understood her. I didn’t like her very much.
Maybe that was the authors attitude too.
Based on the history of Thomas Jefferson. It was a wonderful read.
An interesting read about Thomas Jefferson, Monticello and his daughter’s life.
Excellent. Loved it!
I like historic fiction, and this was promoted as having been deeply researched. The setting felt real, but I thought it was a bit too much on the romantic side. I didn’t have the opportunity to finish the book, but I plan to do so when I have the time.
Excellent use of facts to form a unique story about one of our Presidents.
Good historical fiction. However, the writing of the marriage bedroom scenes was awkward.
I love this book? A friend recommended it to me and I am so grateful to her for doing so. I couldn’t hardly put it down. I was so caught up on it that I have started do zone research on Jefferson. I didn’t want it to end it ESS so good
Really enjoyed this book and gained some great insight into that time in our history.
With this being an historical fiction book, I am inspired to read a biography about Miss Jefferson. I will venture down that road soon.
The writing is superb and educational as well. Thoroughly enjoy.
This gives you a totally different perspective on the families impacted by America’s patriots and their devotion to country first. I found it a fascinating book and extremely well written.
Fabulous and exciting. Wonderful book.
Interesting book how about the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and how many ways she helped her father
So personal and realistic..
A wonderful look at Thomas Jefferson and his life. A lovely informative story