The First Ladies
The Instant New York Times Bestseller!
A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.
The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.
A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.
The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.
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Community Reviews
thenextgoodbook.com
What’s it about?
This novel imagines the inner workings of the unusual friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune.
What did it make me think about?
Racism.
Should I read it?
I am so impressed with the relationship between these two authors and the impact they are having by telling these stories, first with The Personal Librarian and now with First Ladies. They are encouraging so many people to think about racism and its origins. I wish more of us could discuss and explore racism with people who look different than ourselves.
I was interested in this story and appreciate the research that went into it. However, I did not love the book. The conversations came across as stilted and formal. While the exchanges may have begun this way, I cannot imagine two close friends speaking to each other so formally for so many years. I wish their conversations had evolved as their relationship developed. Somehow, they always seemed to be giving a speech to each other. Even their thoughts in their own heads sounded formal. It felt to me too much like a history lesson. Despite my reservations, it is an interesting relationship from an earlier time.
Many readers of historical fiction will enjoy this book, and it certainly makes you think.
Quote-
“Victory comes in never allowing the hateful words that are spoken to draw out these emotions in me.”
What’s it about?
This novel imagines the inner workings of the unusual friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune.
What did it make me think about?
Racism.
Should I read it?
I am so impressed with the relationship between these two authors and the impact they are having by telling these stories, first with The Personal Librarian and now with First Ladies. They are encouraging so many people to think about racism and its origins. I wish more of us could discuss and explore racism with people who look different than ourselves.
I was interested in this story and appreciate the research that went into it. However, I did not love the book. The conversations came across as stilted and formal. While the exchanges may have begun this way, I cannot imagine two close friends speaking to each other so formally for so many years. I wish their conversations had evolved as their relationship developed. Somehow, they always seemed to be giving a speech to each other. Even their thoughts in their own heads sounded formal. It felt to me too much like a history lesson. Despite my reservations, it is an interesting relationship from an earlier time.
Many readers of historical fiction will enjoy this book, and it certainly makes you think.
Quote-
“Victory comes in never allowing the hateful words that are spoken to draw out these emotions in me.”
The story of two unlikely women who meet and make a difference in the world through their friendship.
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