Jefferson's Sons

Publisher's Summary

Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston are Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, and while they do get special treatment - better work, better shoes, even violin lessons - they are still slaves, and are never to mention who their father is. The lighter-skinned children have been promised a chance to escape into white society, but what does this mean for the children who look more like their mother? As each child grows up, their questions about slavery and freedom become tougher, calling into question the real meaning of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Told in three parts from the points of view of three of Jefferson's slaves - Beverly, Madison, and a third boy close to the Hemings family - these engaging and poignant voices shed light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring.

©2011 Kimberly Bradley (P)2011 Listening Library

Fantastic Book!

What did you love best about Jefferson's Sons?

This is a story as true as the author could have possibly written. It took me back to a time and place so different from all I have ever known. I learned a lot from this book. A great story. My kids ages 13 and 6 really enjoyed this book as well.

Adenrele Ojo did a great job narrating this book.

Which character – as performed by Adenrele Ojo – was your favorite?

Mama

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A Great Read

I thought this was a great book. this book gives one an insight on what had occurred as well as the longing for a father. which killed my heart how much his kids really loved him no matter what..

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good but...

This was a good book, but for younger people it was harder to read, at least for me. It was a good story line and i in courage you to read it!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A good read

I thought this book was a good read/listen. The orator did a great job. The story unfolded nicely. I would recommend this book to someone interested in historic fiction.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Beautifully Written & Narrated Historical Fiction

I love adult historical fiction, but every once in awhile life is so heavy, it's nice to hear historical fiction written for children which carries a gentler version of that same history. I feel I discovered gold when I discovered Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's books. I wish I had known about her books during the years I read to my own children. I learned so much from Jefferson's Sons and I was impressed by the amount of research that went into this book. The characters were beautifully developed and the story was fascinating.

wonderfully written and performed

This was a wonderfully written account of Thomas Jefferson's children by Sally Hemming. The narrator was engaging. While not history in the academic sense that would require sources for quotes and conversation it provides readers a plausible--often likely--account of Jefferson's sons and daughters. Definitely recommended.

Well done!

I loved everything about this book. Though it is in 3rd person, the switches in character perspectives invest the reader into the lives of various characters and their families. The historical facts are well researched and seamlessly weaved into and drive the fictional aspects of this book. Definitely worth everyone’s time.

Awesome

I think this is the best book it is awesome I love historical books and if you like historical stork things then you should get this book and you should read The war that saved my life and the war I finally won!😃😃😃😃

Well done book

I loved the story! I love history and this has a lot of history! Anybody who likes history would love it!

OMG! just horrible...

It was like listening to someone telling a story to little children. Even the made up parts around known facts of the day were infantile. I hope the author moves this to the children's section. Save your time and money/credits.