AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

Okay can every book I read from now on be written by a female duo as badass as these authors? One is a historical fiction novelist, and the other a historian/biographer - genius! The result: a five star, emotional, epic, character-driven saga about the Jefferson family.

What I loved? Almost everything. The character of Patsy was so well developed, as we got to know her from very little into old age. Her experiences clearly shape her personality as she moves through these life events, and the people she chooses to keep by her side really speak volumes. This is a story about family, loyalty, and secrecy, and Patsy is at the very center. I also really appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book. It explained specifically which parts of the novel were true historical events and which parts had to be improvised or simply inferred with what was available to the author. Seriously - this should be at the end of every historical fiction novel, it saves me hours of googling to make sure my favorite part of the novel “really happened.” The romances in this novel were realistic and (at times unfortunately) all too relatable to many women. The family drama (which has become notorious American history) was written so beautifully and really allowed the reader to submerse themselves in the story. I seriously could not put this book down.

What I questioned during this book? Patsy made a lot of excuses for the abuse she experienced in her life. She also made a lot of excuses for her father, and the relationships she was in. At one point she said that she “deserved” or “earned” the physical abuse her husband gave her, which is dangerous language. I understand this was to explain and showcase the dramatic difference in the treatment of women, the acceptance of it in society, and the ways in which women themselves were accepting of it at times. By the end of the book, Patsy has grown and refuses to believe that she earned the abuse after all. However, this could have been more of a powerful point, as I fear for young women reading this book and wanting to be JUST like Patsy (even when she doesn’t stand up for herself when it really matters). It was also strange that the 13 year age difference between young teenage Patsy and her late twenties romantic interest was NOT MENTIONED. I seriously had to flip back to make sure I didn’t read that age wrong. Again, probably accurate to the opinions of the time, but a dangerous point to overlook and not address.

Other than that - 5 stars, and am desperate to get my hands on any other novel by this dream team. It also solidified my dream to read about every First Lady in American history!