The First Ladies

I knew that Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt were important and influential, but I had no idea of the extent of their relationship and how much of an impact they had together. I loved getting to know their individual histories and that of their friendship.

The authors of First Ladies, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, write about the unusual, extraordinary even, friendship between Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wife, Eleanor, and the civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. These two historical figures became friends at a time when friendships between blacks and whites were seriously frowned upon, even sometimes illegal. The story outlines the various ways in which they helped each other overcome barriers to black involvement in politics. In so doing, the authors delve into the personal lives of these two unusually brave and proactive women -- exploring their relationships with their husbands, children,… show more.

I had no idea Eleanor Roosevelt had such a strong relationship with Mary McLeod Bethune, nor that they worked together so hard during FDR’s administration to make lives better for black people. I was profoundly moved by the depth of their commitment and friendship, their courage and compassion.

I can’t think of many American women more compelling than Mary Bethune McLeod and Eleanor Roosevelt. Seeing them as allies in this book, fighting against historical injustice, really made me love them both.

I delighted in getting inside the head of Eleanor, a woman who started out so meek only to become an international powerhouse who helped shape the world order in the aftermath of WWII.

I am also floored by Mary’s resilience and dedication to the cause of other women and Black Americans.