America's First Daughter: A Novel

The idea behind this story is that Jefferson’s daughter Patsy is going through Jefferson's collection of letters after his death. Jefferson was known for being an eloquent writer (having been the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence), and wrote many letters in his lifetime. Jefferson's letters guide us through the life of his daughter Patsy, indeed through history itself, and the resulting story reveals to us Jefferson through the eyes of a devoted daughter.

The story opens during the American Revolution, with the Jefferson family on the run and in hiding. Tragedy strikes repeatedly, and Jefferson falls into a depression after the loss of his wife. Being the eldest child, a young Patsy becomes the "woman of the house" at 10 years of age after her mother's death, and it is her job to look after her father and sisters. She takes her duty to her father very seriously, and won't leave his side, eventually accompanying him to France.

Patsy is a strong-willed and intelligent young girl who grows to be a well traveled and worldly young woman. She acquires over her youth the social grace to handle herself in politically-charged gatherings, and even smooth things over when her father flubs something.

Accompanying them to France is Jefferson’s apprentice William Short. He essentially idolizes Jefferson and would do almost anything for him. He is also quite fond of Patsy. They share the same beliefs about slavery and the “wrongness” of it.

Also accompanying the family to France is Sally Hemings, the beautiful slave that is rumored to be the half-sister of Jefferson’s wife. She is also rather intelligent, even regal, and has a will of her own that she will enforce when she feels it necessary.

I think we've all heard the stories about Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings. This novel takes the perspective that Hemings and Jefferson may have been in love, or at least had some sort of connection. The story portrays an apparent tenderness and affection between the two, and a long-term relationship resulting in numerous supposed children together.

After the first 100 pages, the book held me every moment. I was bored in the beginning by Jefferson and his misery after his wife's death, but once he came out of it and the story picked up, it held my attention and had me craving to know what would happen next.

Then I found myself wanting to finish the story, so I could then go on to read up on Jefferson, his daughter and the other characters, to see how much of this story seemed to be true.

As Patsy matured and found romantic interests, I found myself concerned that the story may degrade into some tale of flowery romance, but the story in fact maintained its integrity.

My final word: The story was slow to start and grab me, but in the end I really, really liked the tale told about Patsy and her life as the daughter of Thomas Jefferson. The authors really brought the characters to life, and made them highly sympathetic. Jefferson is actually a secondary character in this story. It is really all about Patsy-- her strength, her determination, her loyalty and devotion, commitment and constant love. It's an extraordinary tale, with an extraordinary woman and cast of secondary characters, not the least of whom is Thomas Jefferson himself. Jefferson is known for having said "I cannot live without books", and you, my friends, should not live without this one! Get thee to a book store posthaste!

Amazingly well-researched, no detail left unturned. Such a testament to both her life, and her father. A true must-read piece of Historical Fiction.

thenextgoodbook.com
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
580 pages

What’s it about?
Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter Patsy had a front row seat to American history. She witnesses the birth of a New Democratic America, and not long after travels to Paris with her father where she sees another revolution unfolding. Patsy Jefferson would have much to tell if she were here today. The authors of this story blend history with supposition to create an interesting version of Patsy Jefferson's life.

What did it make me think about?
Where is the truth in history? "History consists of a series of accumulated imaginative inventions." Voltaire

Should I read it?
I enjoyed learning more about the history of this time period. However I can't say I came away from this book with a better feeling for who Patsy or Thomas Jefferson really were. The book certainly kept my attention and I was curious about what would transpire, but the formal language put me off at times. I am certain the authors were going for a certain tone and authenticity, but the formality tended to keep me at arm's length from the story. Patsy Jefferson certainly was portrayed as a woman that kept her own counsel, and was not forthcoming about what she truly thought or felt. This includes one of the more interesting storylines- what she felt about Sally Hemmings and her father. Also, what she truly felt about slavery. At times I felt that the point of view that the writers were promoting did not transcribe to actual historical events. But that is the beauty and downside to historical fiction isn't it?

Quote-
​"I couldn't have abandoned my father. Neither for William Short nor for God could I have ever chosen a life away from Papa. The country he's founded- the land he loved- needed him, and he needed me."

If you liked this try-
The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Varina by Charles Frazier
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone

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.

This is the story of Patsy Jefferson who acts like the First Lady when her father becomes president. There is mention of Jefferson's mistress, Sally Hemings during the years Jefferson spent in Paris.