The First Ladies

By Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593440293
• ISBN13: 9780593440292
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully written

Absolutely wonderful story even though it is fiction there are so many characters in this story that. Absolutely wonderful book. Historical fiction with characters that were real people at one time it is about race and the struggle the black people had In America which should have never happened.

Not Worth the Time

The Roosevelts as depicted were the most annoying characters & no idea why anyone would want them as friends