Two strong obstinate women with a common goal. Their drive and idealism pushed them forward to achieve their dreams of equality, education and dignity for all American people regardless of race, sex or social status.
I loved reading Marie Benedict’s and Victoria Christopher Murray’s last novel ‘The Personal Librarian’ and visited the library on a trip to New York. Living close to DC I couldn’t wait to read this novel about First Lady Roosevelt and Mrs Bethune. And it didn’t disappoint.
What extraordinary women they were, brave and forward thinking. This book gave us a very thorough history of what they fought for, and what drove them forward, but I would have liked a little more background on them as women especially Mrs Bethune. Her relationship with her son was an area that could have been explored further.. Both women felt like machines at times and some softer moments would have broken up the political and civil rights activity. Absolutely, learning about their achievements and how amazing it was as women and for Mrs Bethune as a woman of color was totally worth the read. I just would have liked some more tiny, personal moments too.
I found a copy of ‘The Other Einstein’ in my local Little Library and it is on my TBR pile. I can’t wait to read the next collaboration from these two authors.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Fascinating depiction of the friendship between US First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt and the First Lady of the Civil Rights struggle, Dr. Mary Bethune. Authors Benedict and Murray present the decades long friendship in alternating chapters, written from each of the women’s points of view. Set against the events of post WWI, through the great depression and World War II, we see these two passionate and politically skilled woman fighting against racism and segregation. Highly recommended.

Keenly rendered characters gloss the pages of this fascinating novel describing the friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. They first met at a luncheon when Mary was snubbed and ignored by other white women. Eleanor was totally aghast and thus started the beginning of a lifetime friendship. As they got closer, they were able to share not only political views, but personal struggles within their families and their own lives. Mary was prominent within the Black world, being president of the National Association of Colored Women and also the founder of a college for blacks, Bethune-Cookman in Florida. As time went on, she received many more prestigious appointments. They shared their struggles throughout the Depression and WWll while fighting vigorously for the black man’s rights, a struggle that is still happening. Aside from learning about the various conflicts and clashes they went through to achieve equality for all, this is a beautiful demonstration of a deep friendship and respect for one another. Both women’s personality is painted vividly making one invested in the outcome of their crusade. Told in alternating short chapters, this smooth flowing book will be of interest to anyone who is interested in this period in our nation or simply to reveal a stirring expose of an unlikely friendship.

This was an interesting book on Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Bethune and their attempts to obtain rights for Black Americans during the 30's and 40's. As Eleanor was President Franklin's wife, she was able to help shape policy to accomplish these goals. It was written almost biographically in the voices of the 2 main characters.
I'm afraid that I found it stilted and forced. As a history lesson it certainly delivered, but as a novel it lacked well-rounded characters and a captivating plot.

A wonderful look at the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and civil right activist Mary Macleod Bethane. A must read.

Loved reading about the friendship between these two women. Writing very well together the authors have feel as if you’re a part of this history.

The novel is rooted in the strength of friendship. I loved that Bethune Cookman University was a pivotal part of the story, given Mary McLeod Bethune founded the school. Pittsburgh Courier, a Black newspaper, has a focal point in the story as well. Over the story's course, history is prominently reflected, tending to the racial and progressive barriers and the efforts to bring the barriers down.

The timeline between Mary and Eleanor's thoughts could have been more streamlined. I felt like going back and forth between their thoughts made getting the story uninteresting to read in parts. I felt I was a little too in their head at times.

I love what the women gain amidst their experiences. The realness of their lives brings them together. Their differences only inform how to understand and advocate for the people around them, and themselves, to be better and more understanding. There is optimism. There is an unflinching look at the horrors that parallel today. Nothing is fickle.

I can see I'm in the minority of reviewers, but I found this a somewhat plodding account of history that could have (and ought to have been) interesting. The premise itself is fascinating, but the telling over showing and lack of setting made this feel fairly surface level. I would have liked to have read a deeper, more engaging account of Mary McLeod Bethune's life.

I enjoy Historical Fiction especially when I can find a book that isn't just about World War II. This book kept my interest about these two very important people in Women's history, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. These two women contributed so much to not only history of women but in the history of Black Americans. It seems to give an honest approach to these two women and all that they faced, what they accomplished and what they faced in their lifetimes. I now am ready to read a true biography of each of them.

This is a must to be on every TBR list. Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have another hit based on the relationship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune and how they fought together for civil rights for all. It is eloquently written with historical facts throughout the novel. What a joy to read and apropos for our times. These women paved the way for us and helped to create many laws and institutions. Thank you #netgalley and the Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

An important novel detailing civil rights during the Great Depression and World War II. The unlikely friendship between these strong women and all they accomplished makes an illuminating read. Both overcame many obstacles during FDR’s presidency as they pursued both humanity and equal rights. They also formed a closer relationship being there for each other for their personal struggles. Another well written collaboration between these two authors. #TheFirstLadies #MarieBenedict #VictoriaChristopherMurray #NetGalley

This historical fiction account of a deep friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Bethune is a great story of positive change. These two ladies were marginalized as women but also with Mary being African American. Their efforts together to win equality for African Americans and the example they set as good friends who didn’t let skin color keep them from becoming friends is such a moving story. We need more American heroes like these amazing women! This story was eloquently told from both ladies perspectives and brings a light to a great time period of change in America.

Once again, the pairing of these two authors yielded a beautifully told story. The story of two First Ladies, one of the White House and the other of Struggle, one white and one black, is told in a manner that celebrates them in a way that makes the story unfold easily. Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Bethune faced personal and public battles together in a time period when blacks and whites simply did not work together, sit together, or celebrate together. What an appreciation I have for what they took on! A great read!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Marie Benedict writes the story as if you feel you are in that time period And a part of the story.
The story alternates between Eleanor, Roosevelt, and Mary Bethune. The close friendship of the two ladies and how they changed so many things.

The First Ladies
In 1927, Mary McLeod Bethune, the president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club , was invited to the NYC home of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt along with other leaders of national women’s clubs and organizations. Since she was a black woman, she was ignored by the other powerful white women in attendance. At the time it was not customary for blacks and white to eat together or even socialize together. The only ones who chatted with her were Eleanor and her mother in law Sara Roosevelt. Eleanor was the shy wife of Franklin, the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Mary, a renowned educator and philanthropist, had founded the Bethune-Cookman College, a college for blacks in Florida. She was also a tireless fighter for equal rights for black people in America. Eleanor had been running a progressive schools for girls and was the Secretary of the Women’s Division of the NY Democrats.
The two women soon became close friends. For the next 40 years, the women supported each other and reminded close. Mary made Eleanor aware of the sad state of race relations in the county. Eleanor then used her influence to have her husband, who became the 32nd president of the United States, sign laws and executive orders to benefit blacks and other poor Americans. Mary was able to get many black voters to support Roosevelt. Since Reconstruction, blacks had traditionally voted for the Republican candidates because of their allegiance to Lincoln. Mary also was appointed by President Roosevelt to the Federal Council on Colored Affairs.
The book is told in alternate chapters narrated by either Eleanor or Mary. The authors used historic events to give the reader insight into this remarkable friendship. The authors are a black woman and a white woman who have collaborated on another book, The Personal Librarian.
This historical fiction book will appeal to those who want to know about race relations as well as US politics during the Depression and World War II.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray , also Berkley and NetGalley for this early review! The historical background of black hangings and not being able to serve reminds of what was and what still is. Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McCloud Bethune, a black woman, form a lasting friendship throughout Franklins presidency trying to make a difference. Their work had a lasting significance. A book written with richness, caring and an understanding of friendship and enduring suffering. Absolutely an historical for all of us to read and be reminded of those events. Heart touching read!

Once again, the pairing of these two authors yielded a beautifully told story. The story of two First Ladies, one of the White House and the other of Struggle, one white and one black, is told in a manner that celebrates them in a way that makes the story unfold easily. Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Bethune faced personal and public battles together in a time period when blacks and whites simply did not work together, sit together, or celebrate together. What an appreciation I have for what they took on! A great read!

A fictionalized account of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune which lasted decades through some of the most challenging times for our nation. The authors not only bring these iconic women to life in their public roles as leaders but we are also treated to an insider's view of their private lives. Each woman had struggles to face which they could not discuss with anyone but each other. This relationship benefited both women but at times also put a strain on their friendship as favors sometimes crossed political lines, drawing criticism and anger from those around them. Reading this in today's world makes the reader wonder what happened to all of the progress these women made in the political and social arenas? It seems we have taken a giant step backwards instead of building upon the foundations that these two women built. Fascinating reading, a history lesson well worth the time to read.

Historical fiction at its best a o look at the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethunewas really lovely and interesting to read about.# netgalley #berkley

Bethune was the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, who became an activist and an educator, founding one of the country’s first schools for African-American girls; that school was located in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she was a longtime resident. Eleanor Roosevelt was niece to Teddy, and thus a member of a politically prominent New York family long before she met and married Franklin. The First Ladies seeks to portray how Mary and Eleanor became fast friends, and how that friendship spanning decades influenced not just these women’s lives, but an important foundation for the modern civil rights movement. On the whole enjoyable and illuminating, but I sincerely hope several small edits are made before publication; that would make it vastly easier to recommend this without qualification (and would bump up my star rating).