The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray – Audio
ARC from GP Putnam and Netgalley for an honest review
Book Blurb:
The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
My Review: 4.5 stars
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was a spectacular dive into the lives of two women who together made incredible headway in Civil Rights law.
I’m saddened to say that I’d never heard of Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator, civil rights activist and overall remarkable woman. Her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt was one we should all be lucky enough to have. One in which honesty prevailed, even in the most uncomfortable circumstances. These women were acting brazenly by eating together in public at a time when White and Black people were forbidden to do such a thing. They stood up for themselves and each other and made incredible lifelong changes to our government groups. This book showed us racism through many lenses, which was quite eye-opening.
Readers also get a look in FDR’s crippling polio, his confidantes and his extra marital affairs. We also learn how Eleanor’s affair with Lorena “Hick” Hickok came to be.
Overall, this is an absorbing novel that no doubt took an incredible amount of research. Well done!
Quotes I liked:
I don’t want to remain silent, but I don’t know where to begin.”
“Inaction in the face of racism is the acquiescence to it.”
Shop on Amazon Here!
