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khughesreads's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
5.0
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I don't normally read romance, and I am not a big fan of Thomas Jefferson, either. I liked how the authors introduced quotes from actual letters at the beginning of each chapter to help further the narrative they created.
liza_loo_who's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tmathews0330's review against another edition
5.0
First book in awhile that made me cry. Made me think about how the tough stuff we deal with varies but no society is perfect. And raw human emotion and thoughts at their core will always play a role.
christenw79's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
momeredithb's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tophat8855's review against another edition
4.0
Got into this as an audiobook. Definitely a reminder that it is historical fiction and does mess with the timeline, intentions, and feelings of the people involved.
patmcmanamon's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read about Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, who lived a very difficult life, far more painful and difficult than I would have expected. Among the challenges: Dealing with the reality of her father’s relationship with Sally Hemings, a slave with whom Jefferson fathered several children. Though it takes a little for the book to get going, in the end it is historical fiction as it should be — a book that brings to life a complex family, with all its immorality and troubles, in a interesting time in our history.
mbkarapcik's review against another edition
4.0
In this book, daughter of Thomas Jefferson, Martha aka Patsy Jefferson, looks back at her life and relationship with her lauded father who also spurred and continues to spur controversy. Each section or chapter starts with a quote from a letter to or from a notable character like Thomas Jefferson, Martha or a member of her own family, or other famous political voices.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to get back to it when I took a break. Although it's quite long, it engaged me the whole time. The writing flows, the descriptions of the time and scenery, and the characterizations rang true.
Although I read dissenting opinions about the book, citing it was like a young adult book, and how could the authors "make up" stories, I don't agree. It was very adult, did not skirt around the troubling issues, whether about the slaves that make up much of the population of Virginia and Monticello or the relationships between Martha and her husband or Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with slave Sally Hemings.
My only real issue with the book stems from the fictionalized relationship Martha conducts with her father's aide, William Short. In the note from the authors, they did mention that he did play a part in her early life and appeared in many of the milestone events in her life, but it seemed to be the central focus of the book. I found that pretty implausible in many parts, and maybe that's why others may have found it too much like a young adult book. The romance lingered way too long.
My opinion, however, about historical fiction is that if it's written well, stays within the realm of possibility, and presents a good story, what's the problem? I think a reader will be encouraged to seek out the fact behind the fiction and learn more about Thomas Jefferson and his extended family.
I've always been interested in history, visited Monticello a few years ago, and felt it was depicted with accuracy. Thomas Jefferson contributed a lot to building America, but he did exemplify some doubtful qualities and did not help the slavery issue. He's a curious figure, whom anyone could learn from, but is he a product of his time or a figure to praise or condemn?
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and found myself wishing that these authors had more books from this time period. I always liked learning about the colonial period and that surrounding the Revolutionary War. And I'm picking up the Hamilton book very soon at my local library.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to get back to it when I took a break. Although it's quite long, it engaged me the whole time. The writing flows, the descriptions of the time and scenery, and the characterizations rang true.
Although I read dissenting opinions about the book, citing it was like a young adult book, and how could the authors "make up" stories, I don't agree. It was very adult, did not skirt around the troubling issues, whether about the slaves that make up much of the population of Virginia and Monticello or the relationships between Martha and her husband or Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with slave Sally Hemings.
My only real issue with the book stems from the fictionalized relationship Martha conducts with her father's aide, William Short. In the note from the authors, they did mention that he did play a part in her early life and appeared in many of the milestone events in her life, but it seemed to be the central focus of the book. I found that pretty implausible in many parts, and maybe that's why others may have found it too much like a young adult book. The romance lingered way too long.
My opinion, however, about historical fiction is that if it's written well, stays within the realm of possibility, and presents a good story, what's the problem? I think a reader will be encouraged to seek out the fact behind the fiction and learn more about Thomas Jefferson and his extended family.
I've always been interested in history, visited Monticello a few years ago, and felt it was depicted with accuracy. Thomas Jefferson contributed a lot to building America, but he did exemplify some doubtful qualities and did not help the slavery issue. He's a curious figure, whom anyone could learn from, but is he a product of his time or a figure to praise or condemn?
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and found myself wishing that these authors had more books from this time period. I always liked learning about the colonial period and that surrounding the Revolutionary War. And I'm picking up the Hamilton book very soon at my local library.