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

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

This is a story of two First Ladies - Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune - and a relationship built on a common mission and shared vulnerability. Reading about their individual accomplishments and what they achieved together was fascinating. 

The story is written by two authors whose friendship grew by having conversations much like Eleanor and Mary might have had I n their day. The writing is clear and easy to read. I read on a kindle and a few times had to remind myself who was talking - Mary or Eleanor. Other than that this was an enjoyable historical fiction book with a compelling invitation to be in conversation and not be silent against racism, recognizing that we have to be the change we want to see in the world. 

“‘Her report asserts that silence on the issue of lynching is tantamount to guilt.’ I consider her words. I have never perceived silence around violence or racist actions to be the same as the acts themselves. But why shouldn’t it be? Silence suggests agreement, and anyone who knows about these terrible acts—including me—should take a stand against them.”

“Despite the gulf in our origins, we have so many commonalities: a belief that the youth are our future, the desire to elevate women, a drive for service, and a dedication to education.”