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The First Ladies

Written 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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What the critics say

“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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The First Ladies

What a magnificent account of the relationship between two highly talented women living during the early 1900s. One was the First Lady of president Roosevelt while her friend was a black woman educator of high acclaim. The story of their relationship during WWII and II was well researched and excellently written. Of note, the narration was top notch.
You will be educated about the times as you enjoy the depiction of women’s lives. Enjoy!

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Woman who's actions changed the world

Although I very much enjoyed this story, I felt the voice acting and casting detracted from it's impact. The voices did not make me want to listen to the story. Eleanor's voice came across as particularly whiney and irritating, and their accents did not ring true for me. I wish I had just read this book instead of listened to it because at times I wasn't listening to the words but focusing on the voices.. Having said that, this book is an account of two very different and incredibly powerful, resilient women, who both broke ground politically and racially and who defied traditional female roles as activists, mothers, human rights crusaders and in Eleanor's case,lesbian and gay ally. I have even more respect for Eleanor Roosevelt and now having learned about her, Mrs Mary McLeod Bethune.

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