The First Ladies

By: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

Narrated by: Robin Miles, Tavia Gilbert

The Instant New York Times Bestseller!

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.
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.

This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.

STUNNING HISTORICAL NOVEL

I learned to love both of the First Ladies featured in this mostly unknown story during the depression and war years. Timely discussions & issues of the struggle for equality politically, socially, & in business & education. The authors do deep research & write beautifully. Wonderfully performed on audio.

A must read!

This book is successful at highlighting the nuances of the Bethune-Roosevelt friendship. Because the friendship was interracial and so public (somewhat), we see the peculiarities of a classist/racist society and how these strong women combat these attitudes. While we see these issues throughout the book, it is also a delightful book simply about friendship and what it can do for us as people. I recommend this book, especially for lovers of this genre!

Friendship is a pillar of a life well lived

This is an amazing story of true friendship and its importance in our lives. True friendship knows no color, judgment or boundaries. May everyone reading this book find a true friend.

How well it was researched and written

It kept me interested all the way even gave me a chuckle or two.

Do not pass this one up!

I love historical fiction. I especially loved this book! The authors paint a perfect picture of these two first ladies and the friendship they shared. It's a story of how they forged ahead in the eye of adversity and helped to create the world that we live in. They were remarkable! The narrators were amazing! Perfect for the characters.
This is a must read!