A review by oceanwriter
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

challenging informative reflective 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

2.0

I’ve unintentionally been on a Roosevelt kick this year. I’ve read a few of Marie Benedict’s books and was excited to see she (and Victoria Christopher Murray, though I have not read their previous collaboration) had a book that featured Eleanor Roosevelt. 
 
The book focuses on the, at the time, unusual friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Told in both of their POVs, we follow moments in each of their lives from the late 1920s through the early 1940s, particularly when their lives intertwine. 
 
Though it was difficult to read at times, I enjoyed much of Mary’s POV. Eleanor’s not so much. Reading a book written by Eleanor Roosevelt herself while I read this wasn’t the best move for me to enjoy this book as I had something immediately in mind to compare her to. Still, I don’t think I would have felt much differently. The political voice was far too modern even for the progressive views of the time. It felt like polished fanfiction (which I suppose it is when you think about these kinds of books). This overtone ultimately lost me. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings