Helpful Score: 2
I have read this book at least 4 times over the years and enjoyed it each and every time. Interesting bit of history, very well written. Highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 2
First noticed this book while working at the library. Read it and loved it and the sequel The President's Daughter was excellent as well. Told in a way that you can really zone into the book. An easy flowing read with quotes at the beginning of each chapter from said individuals in the book. Since they recently in past years have done tests proving that this relationship did in fact happen I think the author captured what Young sally at 15 pregnant but free on french soil would have had to felt to return back into slavery willingly.
Although this is a fictional accounting of the relationship between Sally Hemmings, slave, and Thomas Jefferson, I feel the author did an excellent job in portraying the relationship between the two as well as the complicated familial ties that were the make-up of Monticello. Jefferson took Sally as his mistress when she was a mere 14 YO, after his wife died. There was a 29 year difference in their ages. While in France, where slavery was outlawed and Sally could have 'strolled' away, she opted to stay. Complicated and secretive (not really) love/hate relationship that lasted long after Jefferson's death.
