The First Ladies by Marie Benedict
Where to find this book at Reed Memorial Library:
- Adult Fiction
- Call number: FIC Benedict
- View it on our catalog
Darlene from Adult Services recommends The First Ladies, a fictionalized account of the friendship between first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.
The story takes the reader from 1927, prior to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first presidential term, through 1945. Eleanor and Mary meet at a luncheon held by Eleanor Roosevelt’s mother-in-law and discover a mutual interest in advancing the education of women. From that first meeting, they continue to collaborate and write letters to each other, discovering a friendship that will last through their lifetimes.
“This historical fiction novel was a joy to read,” says Darlene. “Each chapter is told by Mary or by Eleanor and receiving the insight into each woman’s mind is incredibly interesting. There are some tough issues discussed in this book (racism, civil rights, women rights) but it shows how two very different women can transcend social boundaries and empower each other in their search for equality.”
The First Ladies is the subject of this Thursday’s adult book discussion group; join us at 7pm for the discussion. Thanks for the recommendation, Darlene!
Sincerely, Cornelius 