Book Bag
Ladies
of Liberty
By Cokie
Roberts
THE FOUNDING
FATHERS were an extraordinary group of men who set our country on a
course unlike any other country. But what about the founding
mothers? News journalist Cokie Roberts has now told their story
and put forth a formidable argument as to the important roles the
ladies played. In her earlier book, Founding Mothers, and
in her latest offering, Ladies of Liberty, she provided an
impressive argument for the significant contributions of these key
women in getting our nation off to its rousing start.
Drawing on
personal correspondence and private journals, Roberts describes the
trials and triumphs of the wives and daughters of the early
political leaders of the United States
with insight and color. From Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Monroe,
Roberts paints a picture of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and
social influences employed by these amazing ladies. The central
figure of the book is the indomitable Dolly Madison, who ruled the
social scene in infant Washington D.C.
and who, almost single handedly, defended the capitol from the
British in the War of 1812.
The primary focus
of the book is on the presidents’ wives, but there are many other
women who grace the pages of Ladies of Liberty, including
Sacajawea. This young Native American guided the Lewis and Clark
expedition. She even
delivered a child on the journey while enduring the same hardships
as the men. Roberts’ book also features Louisa Adams, wife of John
Quincy Adams, who traveled
France
during the final conflict of Napoleon’s attempt to regain power. A
main theme of Roberts’ works is that in many cases women found
themselves in precarious situations while their husbands were off
handling politics and diplomacy.
Roberts crafts a
powerful story of how ingenuity and courage on the part of these
women contributed to the success of the establishment of our
country. She sheds new light on the stories of these heroines
and reformers who helped shape our heritage. Parts of the book
highlight petty jealousies and manipulative attempts to be
influential, but most of this work puts forth stories of patriotism
and responsibility on the part of these ladies. The hundreds of
personal anecdotes connect the narrative with lively details, and
the author’s research adds substance to this history. Those who
enjoyed the recent televised portrayal of Abigail Adams will not
want to miss this fascinating account of her and the other
Ladies of Liberty.
By Curt Finch
Emerald Isle Books
Read more articles in the May print edition of Island Review.
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