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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.
reikista's review against another edition
4.0
Patsy Jefferson vows to her dying mother that she will care for her father and her sister, and dedicates her life to doing so. Uncharacteristically for her time, she traveled to France with Thomas Jefferson and was there during the Revolution, then she returned to Virginia. This was a riveting read about politics and affairs of the state from the domestic sphere, about the influence of an intelligent and diplomatic woman who thought for herself, and an insightful perspective on the way the Jefferson family might have lived with an awareness of Mr. Jefferson’s children with his slave, Sally. A great read!
trudyd's review against another edition
5.0
Where are more stars???? I haven't read a historical fiction novel in many years that has left such an impression. It wasn't just me. My two teenage sons became addicted to the story as well.
As a homeschooling mother I am always looking for ways to encourage learning. This book did that and so much more. The book was so well written that we were transported to an earlier time. Some characters left such an impact that they happily researched and completed assignments so they could go on to the next chapters.
I had to stop myself for moving ahead because I would start discussing what happened in chapters they had not read. This is the most fun I have ever had studying Thomas Jefferson. The insight the book gave into his life and the people around him as made me want to know and understand more.
My only disappointment is that that authors' next book will be after my children are done with school. I am sure that they will gladly read it and discuss the things that have influenced America.
07/17/2019----I love audiobooks that compliment the historical novels that I read. I always seem to get more out of the book after listening to them. I enjoyed this audio so much that I will be going back and reading the book for a third time.
As a homeschooling mother I am always looking for ways to encourage learning. This book did that and so much more. The book was so well written that we were transported to an earlier time. Some characters left such an impact that they happily researched and completed assignments so they could go on to the next chapters.
I had to stop myself for moving ahead because I would start discussing what happened in chapters they had not read. This is the most fun I have ever had studying Thomas Jefferson. The insight the book gave into his life and the people around him as made me want to know and understand more.
My only disappointment is that that authors' next book will be after my children are done with school. I am sure that they will gladly read it and discuss the things that have influenced America.
07/17/2019----I love audiobooks that compliment the historical novels that I read. I always seem to get more out of the book after listening to them. I enjoyed this audio so much that I will be going back and reading the book for a third time.
asalisbury's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emerygirl's review against another edition
3.0
If you want to know more about Thomas Jefferson, this is the book for you. If you want to know more about his daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson, this is the book for you. If you are like me, and just picked up this book on a lark, you will learn more than you ever wanted to know about the Jefferson's. But know that I do know more about the Jefferson's, I find myself wanting to learn even more. A quality of a great book.
bethsponz's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great story...I much recommend to anyone whether you like history or not!
ndbeyer's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of detailed history of a strong woman who was maybe too much of a daddy's girl.