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 .
Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray’s The First Ladies, which is out June 27th!
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.
“It, it is nice to finally meet you, Dr. Bethune. I am Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt. When my mother-in-law mentioned that you’d accepted our invitation, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the woman who serves not only as the President of the National Association of Colored Women, but also as the President of Bethune-Cookman College.”
Dr. Bethune carefully places her spoon down next to her bowl, and replies, “It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Roosevelt, and please call me Mrs. Bethune. I thought you’d forgotten about me.”
Her words, spoken bluntly but without acrimony, cut through me. How could I have allowed her to flounder in the face of this disrespect? What I’ve done is unforgivable, and my cheeks flush with heat.
“I cannot apologize enough for putting you in this awkward position, Mrs. Bethune. My mother-in-law and I did not anticipate that the ladies would behave in this way. After all, these women have pledged to lift up other women in their work,” I say, feeling that I must give her a complete explanation for what she’s had to endure.
She smiles and asks, “How did you think this luncheon would go?”
I am silent. What can I say?
“Mrs. Roosevelt,” she continues, the smile never leaving her lips, “you only need to have asked me. While many will sit in a meeting or a conference with me, there aren’t too many white folks in this country who care to break bread with colored people, no matter their station in life.” She gives a rueful chuckle.
“Mrs. Bethune, I’m so sorry for what you may have heard.”
“Oh, there is no may, I definitely heard them.”
“I don’t know what to say. I have never . . . ”
“You may have never, but I have. Women and men like this pass through my life every day.” Her voice holds no anger or even frustration.
“It’s unacceptable, and I want to apologize.”
“You must never apologize for a sin someone else has committed,” she says with a shake of her head.
“I appreciate that, but still, I’m terribly sorry. May I join you for lunch?”
“I was hoping you would,” she answers with a nod. “I have a feeling we’ve got lots to talk about.” Then she smiles at me with such warmth that I feel at ease for the first time since the luncheon began.
“I agree,” I say, lowering myself onto the chair next to her. “I have been following your impressive career for years, and I’m in awe of your accomplishments.”
“And I yours.”
Excerpted from The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2023
