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The First Ladies

By: Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Narrated by: Robin Miles, Tavia Gilbert
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

“Explores the extraordinary legacies of these two historical figures, while also bringing us into their personal lives and their deep friendship. Benedict and Murray bring their knack for historical fiction to a story of the women's unlikely alliance and the ways their bond and efforts forged the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement.”Entertainment Weekly

“It's an utter joy to watch civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt forge a partnership that changed America: plotting over teacups, negotiating tricky conversations about race and privilege, celebrating their triumphs, and never giving up. The First Ladies is a wonder!"—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

"While the depictions of the women's activism are inspiring, the novel really shines in the behind-the-scenes moments when the women support each other during personal struggles with marital infidelity, illness, and loss. This impeccably researched, relevant novel is a must-read and destined to be a book-club favorite."Booklist (starred review)

What listeners say about The First Ladies

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Authors made characters alive!

I’ve read most of the authors’ books. They choose their subjects carefully to give the readers not only a storyline but lots of teachable moments. Characters who are courageous people as well as responsible ones, who are willing to step forward to the betterment our Society.

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Why don’t we all know this story?

A heartwarming and authentic story of friendship and determination. Everyone should know who Mrs Mary McLeod Bethune is, and how her friendship with Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt impacted lives past and present. Historical fiction is an accessible way to learn important pieces of the past. Thank you, authors, for exposing me to this piece of history and moving beyond the white man’s version of history. I’ve read nearly 100 books this year, and this is by far the first me that has made the biggest impression on me.

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I clapped at the end!

I really enjoyed this book about the friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. The authors and the readers did a great job of telling the story from two perspectives and the growth of both women because of their friendship. The dialogue between the women, although fictional, felt real and honest and like a conversation I would like to have. I would recommend this book for those who are interested in learning the history of Civil Rights in our country, want to have a dialogue with others about equality, or who love historical fiction. Definitely will be picking this book when I need to chose a book for my Book Club! Thank you to the authors for the time and effort they put into the research and for the interesting author’s notes at the end. What a great collaboration! (Note, I am a 50 ish year old woman ;)

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Particularly well narrated

This is a fictionalizes account of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. And if that fact isn't powerful enough to get you to read this book, it's authored by the perfect duo of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. You will not be disappointed by the narrative nor the voicing of each great lady of the Greatest Generation. Their dialogue about race and navigating differences in the building of respect and eventually friendship is something we could all learn from.

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Excellent book loved it.

Did not want to put it down . We need more historical fictions like this. Enjoyed it !

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Excellent Story of Two Strong Women

Another good historical fiction novel about Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune and their friendship. Mary’s statue is now at the U.S. Capitol. Excellent read about the First Lady & the First Lady of the Struggle.

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my favorite Benedict's book

I have read most of Mrs. Benedict's books & this was my favorite. I continue to love to learn about the remarkable woman not respected in American history who made such a mark on our country.

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Dedication and perseverance

The story is told with such heart. I felt so connected to each woman and their struggle. Completely inspiring!

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Mary McLeod Bethune

I appreciate this story so much. Bringing Mrs. Bethune to the surface where she belongs! Although this is a fictionalized biography, I am full of joy learning about this close friendship of an amazing pair women in history. I have heard the coined title "First Lady of the struggle", but I'm embarrassed to say that whatever had been told of her, had not stuck with me. I think back to a time in my life when I was innocent and believed racism lived only in history books, so such activism didn't touch me the way it does in my life today. Thank you so much to these brave an intelligent fighting women. And thank you for this novel for telling this story.

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An Historical Relationship

The recounting of the relationship and friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McCloud Bethune is profoundly written. It takes you inside the powerful struggle of two women who want to conquer the insidious racial division in America. The writers did excellent work in depicting the struggle of Black Americans during the Jim Crow time in history. The book is well written as historical fiction based on true facts. I enjoyed it immensely.

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