American Daughters

A Novel

In the vein of America’s First Daughter, Piper Huguley’s historical novel delves into the remarkable friendship of Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the daughters of educator Booker T. Washington and President Teddy Roosevelt.

At the turn of the twentieth century, in a time of great change, two women—separated by societal status and culture but bound by their expected roles as the daughters of famed statesmen—forged a lifelong friendship.

Portia Washington’s father Booker T. Washington was formerly enslaved and spent his life championing the empowerment of Black Americans through his school, known popularly as Tuskegee Institute, as well as his political connections. Dedicated to her father’s values, Portia contributed by teaching and performing spirituals and classical music. But a marriage to a controlling and jealous husband made fulfilling her dreams much more difficult.

When Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency, his eldest daughter Alice Roosevelt joined him in the White House. To try to win her father’s approval, she eagerly jumped in to help him succeed, but Alice’s political savvy and nonconformist behavior alienated as well as intrigued his opponents and allies. When she married a congressman, she carved out her own agendas and continued espousing women’s rights and progressive causes.

Brought together in the wake of their fathers’ friendship, these bright and fascinating women helped each other struggle through marriages, pregnancies, and political upheaval, supporting each other throughout their lives.

A provocative historical novel and revealing portrait, Piper Huguley’sAmerican Daughters vividly brings to life two passionate and vital women who nurtured a friendship that transcended politics and race over a century ago.

Such a Great Read!

I loved this book and it’s amazing heroines! I believe it will inspire more people to research and search their souls.

Excellent

Seeing the friendship of two young women in the early 1900’s was amazing,especially during a time when this was not permitted. Booker T Washington’s wanting to empower African Americans was extraordinary!!

Uncommon Friendship

What a Superb story of uncommon friendships during historic times! The audible book narrators were Great to listen to!

Based on a True Friendship

I didn't expect a book based in the past to make me think so much about modern women's relative freedoms . Their destinies were dictated by the men in their lives - their fathers, husbands, a larger patriarchal society. But ultimately both Alice and Portia carve out some sense of self-determination. They are very different women. Portia is religious, selfless, and obedient. Alice is godless, self-centered, and unruly. But I cheered for them until the end. It reminded me of the importance of having friends who are different from you - to widen your awareness, to challenge your beliefs, to help you think in different ways. It also made me appreciate freedoms of modern womanhood such as access to birth control and the right to vote.

Women of Washington DC, open to independent voices and marriage of the time.

Like, great inspiration of independence and women supporting each other when activities were limited prior to voting opportunity.