Patriot Hearts

by Barbara Hambly

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Patriot Hearts interweaves the lives of Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Sally Hemings and Dolley Madison from the Revolutionary era to the British attack on Washington in 1814. Each woman confronts the private cost of political decisions made by George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Moving between plantations, presidential households, wartime journeys and diplomatic life in France, the novel examines marriage, slavery, friendship and the largely domestic labour behind public power. The four narratives reveal sharply unequal forms of influence: some women advise presidents and manage estates, while Hemings must negotiate survival and family within enslavement and her relationship with Jefferson.

Historical periods

American Revolutionary Era

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction Political History Social & Domestic Fiction

Historical people

George Washington1732–1799 John Adams1735–1826 Thomas Jefferson1743–1826 James Madison1751–1836 Martha Washington1731–1802 Abigail Adams1744–1818 Sally Hemingsc. 1773–1835 Dolley Madison1768–1849