America's First Daughter

A Novel

By: Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling 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 fifteen-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.

A "pearl clutcher"

...I HAD to review this book.....It was simply AMAZING...SMH . In order to really enjoy a book like this. you must love history first of all. second be curious about who Jefferson was as a man and want to understand his relationship with his family and how Sally Hemmings fit in this tight circle. The story starts off So slow that It killed me at first but I eventually couldn't stop listening. it was beautiful and worth the wait...I might listen again in the future :)

Wonderful Historical Fiction

Martha Jefferson Randolph is a fascinating historical figure. The narration is well done, though slow. I listened to the whole audiobook on x1.5 speed with no problem.

Excellent

Excellent narrative of Patsy Jefferson, her father Thomas Jefferson and the story of Sally Hemmings. I would rate this higher if more stars! I love historical fiction featuring strong women!

Wonderfully entertaining

Loved it. The authors definitely did their research and crafted a wonderful story based in history.

Superb book!!

Where does America's First Daughter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is among the best. The author does an exceptional job making Martha come alive.

What does Cassandra Campbell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narration was well done.

If you could take any character from America's First Daughter out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Sally Hemmings. I would love to know how she thought and felt.

Any additional comments?

I've recommended this book to many.