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America's First Daughter

A Novel

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America's First Daughter

By: Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
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About this listen

In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, best-selling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph - a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy.

From her earliest days, Patsy Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate, protector, and constant companion in the wake of her mother's death, traveling with him when he becomes American minister to France.

It is in Paris, at the glittering court and among the first tumultuous days of revolution, that 15-year-old Patsy learns about her father's troubling liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl her own age. Meanwhile Patsy has fallen in love - with her father's protégé, William Short, a staunch abolitionist and ambitious diplomat. Torn between love, principles, and the bonds of family, Patsy questions whether she can choose a life as William's wife and still be a devoted daughter.

Her choice will follow her in the years to come to Virginia farmland, Monticello, and even the White House. And as scandal, tragedy, and poverty threaten her family, Patsy must decide how much she will sacrifice to protect her father's reputation, in the process defining not just his political legacy but that of the nation he founded.

©2016 Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers
Biographical Fiction Fiction France Founding Fathers Tear-jerking American History

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Fascinating!

Fascinating and interesting, wonderfully presented historical facts, even though slightly adapted. The narration is great. Very much enjoyed this audiobook!

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An interesting perspective

As an Australian I knew little about Jefferson (except he was a early president and slave owner) and nothing about his daughter.

The novel took a few twists and turns I did not expect, as life does. I feel the authors tried to do justice with what records are available and to try to creat a realistic estimation of some of the contemporary issues Jefferson faced and his attempt to balance personal ethics with the cultural and political realities of the day.

I believe the authors have made an attempt to fairly reconstruct what they could and show aspects of the political , financial and social complexities of slave ownership in Virginia at the time without excusing what we now find to be reprehensible.

I am now interested to learn more about some of the other historical characters and their roles during this time.

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Really good read

I really enjoyed this dip into American history. Beautifully narration, interesting characters & well paced. Patsy is dedicated, composed & loyal beyond belief

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Incredible insight into history.

Really enjoyed this book. The characters were well rounded and I was drawn into Patsy's life, all the highs and lows. It was fascinating to see the different sides of slavery. A good read.

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