Let Us March On: A Novel

Because there are numerous contributions that so many Black Americans—including Black American women in particular—have made to the history of the United States, here's just one of the related historical fiction novels in recent years that I've looked forward to picking up.

On one of the more minor notes, I found it interesting to learn about Lizzie McDuffie's connection to the film Gone with the Wind. And, of course, the most major note was in my reading about her social activism on behalf of the nation's Black citizens. Especially women.

Granted, that made it harder for me to read about the oncoming of World War Two from this angle. Black Americans could tell that their hard-fought work for their right to life and liberty would show more struggle with setbacks as the country's focus would turn to the conflict overseas. As the heroine of this novel puts it, in part:

The United States would join the war, and a lot of Negro men would be called to go overseas to fight for their country—a country that wouldn't fight for them.

Now, I'll admit that because Lizzie's storytelling is rather mild much of the time, I didn't start to become emotionally engaged in the book until around the last third of it. While I remained interested in the novel's general events, I didn't really "feel" Lizzie as much as I would have liked.

Also, the read is a bit redundant at times. And there are some minor issues with consistency and continuity in the development. But my editor's brain doesn't need to nitpick about that now.

The biggest takeaway for me here is the reminder that there's much more work to be done—more work like Lizzie McDuffie's and so many others'.

We must preserve and remember our history—and march on.

Note:
• theme of racial violence
• mostly "PG" language aside from a few uses of the N-word
• no explicit sexual content show less

This was such a fascinating read! I always love reading about those who run things for the most powerful people in the world. They are the ones who truly help them succeed with being who they are. The story of FDR's presidency is told through his maid, Lizzie McDuffie and I love how we get a true in depth look at the president as an every day person. His beliefs, his care for others and his true strive to make things better for all people in America, yet he had his own medical struggles to deal with everyday. I just love Lizzie, she was so strong yet she was very well rounded in being able to converse with FDR on highly controversial topics and did get some things changed for the better for African Americans and the Civil Rights show more Movement. Her and her husband truly became part of the Roosevelt family and this story is so well written that you can't help to feel for everything that goes on. You feel for Lizzie, her husband Mac and at times FDR himself as he struggles with some of the hardest decisions during his presidency. Although all great books have to end, I didn't want to close the pages on the McDuffie's and all they did, an amazing couple that hasn't been lost to history! Thank you to BooksForward and the author for the complementary novel. I will be looking forward to more novels by this author! show less

Fascinating debut historical fiction novel that highlights the life of Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDuffie, the wife of FDRs valet and White House maid. Set in the 1930s and 1940s, you are introduced to these two selfless people, Irvin, "Mac" and Lizzie, who end up dedicating many years in service to the Roosevelts through is governorship and then his 4 presidential terms. You get to experience life in the White House through their eyes and Lizzie takes you on a journey that shares her accomplishments and how she was an important liaison between the black community and the First Couple. Lizzie wore many hats: wife, maid, union organizer, helper to the president, liaison between numerous Black people that wrote to her asking for help, etc. I show more enjoyed Lizzie when she was excited to meet famous celebrities, heads of state, and other important people. This story presented FDR in a different light because it came from Lizzie's perspective behind the curtain of presidential pressures.
As a history nerd, I loved learning about another woman from history that I had never heard of before and her role in trying to do what she could to help the Black community. In this early copy, the author notes were not available so I am looking forward to reading those when the book is published as I am always curious about what is read and what is adjusted for the story. (Author Note was found in author’s website.)I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction fans, especially those looking to read about lesser known important figures.
#LetUseMarchOn #NetGalley #historicalfiction
Thank you William Morrow Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own. show less