America's First Daughter: A Novel

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 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.

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.

Great read,. Early American history, life and love from a female perspective.