America's First Daughter: A Novel

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In 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 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.

BUY THE BOOK

Published Mar 1, 2016

608 pages

Average rating: 7.83

114 RATINGS

|

These clubs recently read this book...

Community Reviews

Anonymous
Jan 14, 2025
8/10 stars
This is a fascinating historical novel about Martha Jefferson Randolph. Her life, especially in the second half of the book, reads like a soap opera. I knew nothing about this woman who had to play the part of First Lady for her father. So many fascinating details and as always I really appreciate the authors’ notes at the end. Highly recommend.
Harrietaspy
May 04, 2025
4/10 stars
This novel had way too much supposition for my taste. I think historical fiction that is this embedded in truth needs to not have this level of guesswork. This novel is told almost entirely in dialogue and that also was difficult for me since the author doesn't really know the motivations and emotions of these people even if she does have letters (which for many of them she didn't) as people will not always be honest with others or themselves in writing. I guess this novel just took too many liberties with history for my taste.
Carol.Ann
Nov 16, 2023
6/10 stars
I enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book narrated by Cassandra Campbell. It was interesting to learn more about this family and their personal lives. I recently had the immense pleasure of visiting Jefferson's Monticello in person, and the author's beautifully written descriptions of the home and gardens took me right back there! Even if you have been there yourself, you'll feel as though you have been. Plus, you'll gain an appreciation for the influence that Paris and French culture played in their lives as reflected in the architecture and landscape of the home, their fashion, and even their cooking. However, the most notable impression gained from this family story was the love, devotion, and sacrifices they made for each other and the country.
Artful Reader
Dec 15, 2022
9/10 stars
Great read,. Early American history, life and love from a female perspective.
Fnatwick
Feb 03, 2022
Hard time reading this one. Could not get into it.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.