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A review by mbkarapcik
America's First Daughter by Laura Kamoie, Stephanie Dray
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.