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American Daughters
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 a former slave who spent his life championing the education and empowerment of Black Americans through the Tuskegee Institute and 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’s American Daughters vividly brings to life two passionate and vital women who nurtured a friendship that transcended politics and race over a century ago.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
April 16, 2024
In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt and teacher Booker T. Washington meet, and the president under estimated the fall out of him inviting a man of colour to dinner at the White House. Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt came from a wealthy family, while Booker T. Washington was born a slave, he runs a school called the Tuskegee Institute in Atlanta and it’s built on the grounds of an old plantation.
Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington become friends, they had to be careful how they catch up, American is segregated, and the emancipation proclamation was only thirty eight years ago.
Portia is first African American to graduate from Bradford Academy in Massachusetts and from her father's first marriage, she's a talented pianist, Portia performs both classical music and African American spiritual music, songs that were sung by slaves picking cotton and she doesnt want the music to be lost and it's part of her culture and heritage. Alice is a bit of a rebel, she gets up to all sorts of mischief and her step-mother Edith is keen for her to make her debut and find a husband.
Alice marries Congressman Nicholas Longworth III of Ohio and two years later Portia marries a coloured architect William Sidney Pittman and he attended her father’s school. Despite distance and responsibilities getting in the way of them seeing each other the two women stay friends and confidants. Both are busy, Alice advocates for women’s rights and is a supporter of the Republican Party, while Portia gives piano lessons and teaches music.
I received a copy of American Daughters by Piper Huguley from William Morrow and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A well written and thoroughly researched novel that looks at what it was like to be the daughters of two of the most influential men of their time, one is white and the other a woman of colour and they referred to themselves as a "motherless child."
Ms. Huguley story is though provoking, it brings up relevant topics such as differences in class, politics, racism, the ups and downs of marriage, spousal abuse, I particularly liked how Portia played her traditional African music, her values and she was a great example to young coloured girls and still is.
Beautifully constructed prose and an interesting narrative about two women's lives spanning from 1901 to 1930, I'm very keen to read other books by Piper Huguley, I highly recommend American Daughters and five stars from me.
Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington become friends, they had to be careful how they catch up, American is segregated, and the emancipation proclamation was only thirty eight years ago.
Portia is first African American to graduate from Bradford Academy in Massachusetts and from her father's first marriage, she's a talented pianist, Portia performs both classical music and African American spiritual music, songs that were sung by slaves picking cotton and she doesnt want the music to be lost and it's part of her culture and heritage. Alice is a bit of a rebel, she gets up to all sorts of mischief and her step-mother Edith is keen for her to make her debut and find a husband.
Alice marries Congressman Nicholas Longworth III of Ohio and two years later Portia marries a coloured architect William Sidney Pittman and he attended her father’s school. Despite distance and responsibilities getting in the way of them seeing each other the two women stay friends and confidants. Both are busy, Alice advocates for women’s rights and is a supporter of the Republican Party, while Portia gives piano lessons and teaches music.
I received a copy of American Daughters by Piper Huguley from William Morrow and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A well written and thoroughly researched novel that looks at what it was like to be the daughters of two of the most influential men of their time, one is white and the other a woman of colour and they referred to themselves as a "motherless child."
Ms. Huguley story is though provoking, it brings up relevant topics such as differences in class, politics, racism, the ups and downs of marriage, spousal abuse, I particularly liked how Portia played her traditional African music, her values and she was a great example to young coloured girls and still is.
Beautifully constructed prose and an interesting narrative about two women's lives spanning from 1901 to 1930, I'm very keen to read other books by Piper Huguley, I highly recommend American Daughters and five stars from me.
February 19, 2024
American Daughters weaves a tale of two daughters by exploring their bond and their strong support for causes’ they believe in.
Alice Roosevelt, America’s First Daughter, befriends Portia Washington, daughter of an educator Booker T. Washington. They are limited by social status but bound by their roles as the daughters of famed statesmen.
Booker T. Washington is an avid supporter of education, as a former slave he values the importance of education and its empowerment of Black Americans. Portia is dedicated to the same values and contributes by teaching and performing spirituals and classical music. She aspires to continue her education abroad in classical music of the Germans, and to continue her empowering work, but a marriage to a controlling man makes her dreams more difficult.
Alice becomes a champion of her father, supporting him in his political aspirations. With time, she strongly gets involved in politics and with her unconventional behavior she creates a polarizing environment. When marrying a congressman and despite the difficulties it presents, she continues to be a staunch supporter for women’s rights.
Brought together by their father’s causes and friendship, these two women continue the legacy of their fathers and become great supporters of each other throughout their marriages and political upheavals.
Written with elegant prose, the narrative alternates between two women as they reveal their dreams, struggles and support.
There are moments where the story is driven by dialogue which I don’t connect with.
As the story begins, it briefly explores the main two figures. I wished there was more to their backstories in order to get attached to them. Because of that, as the story continues, I didn’t feel a strong bond with them; and because of some dialogue, the progression of the story felt slow.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alice Roosevelt, America’s First Daughter, befriends Portia Washington, daughter of an educator Booker T. Washington. They are limited by social status but bound by their roles as the daughters of famed statesmen.
Booker T. Washington is an avid supporter of education, as a former slave he values the importance of education and its empowerment of Black Americans. Portia is dedicated to the same values and contributes by teaching and performing spirituals and classical music. She aspires to continue her education abroad in classical music of the Germans, and to continue her empowering work, but a marriage to a controlling man makes her dreams more difficult.
Alice becomes a champion of her father, supporting him in his political aspirations. With time, she strongly gets involved in politics and with her unconventional behavior she creates a polarizing environment. When marrying a congressman and despite the difficulties it presents, she continues to be a staunch supporter for women’s rights.
Brought together by their father’s causes and friendship, these two women continue the legacy of their fathers and become great supporters of each other throughout their marriages and political upheavals.
Written with elegant prose, the narrative alternates between two women as they reveal their dreams, struggles and support.
There are moments where the story is driven by dialogue which I don’t connect with.
As the story begins, it briefly explores the main two figures. I wished there was more to their backstories in order to get attached to them. Because of that, as the story continues, I didn’t feel a strong bond with them; and because of some dialogue, the progression of the story felt slow.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2024
American Daughter’s by Piper Huguley. Oh my what a wonderfully written book. I learned so very much. Such as President Harding was of African American decent! How fantastic! Or as the book stated had African American blood running through him.
2 best friends who met in 1901 through their fathers. One white , President Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice. One black, Booker T Washington’s daughter Portia. They go throughout their lives staying in touch. Getting married. Both ladies marry to men who tend to be more on the abusive and neglectful as partners. They each co tribute to society in their extraordinary ways. The book weaves through history from 1901 -1930.
2 best friends who met in 1901 through their fathers. One white , President Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice. One black, Booker T Washington’s daughter Portia. They go throughout their lives staying in touch. Getting married. Both ladies marry to men who tend to be more on the abusive and neglectful as partners. They each co tribute to society in their extraordinary ways. The book weaves through history from 1901 -1930.
December 2, 2023
My favorite historical fiction books are those that are about lesser written or known people. I've read other books about Alice Roosevelt (and as the author states they never mentioned her friendship with Portia Washington), but this story seeks to correct that. I enjoyed learning about Portia Washington and even did further research about this intelligent and determined woman. The author does a very good job in giving voice to both women as they navigate their lives from young women to adulthood. You come to see that these women had a bond that went beyond wealth, privilege or the color of their skin. I rate this 4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 29, 2024
BY HER OWN DESIGN was my favorite historical novel of 2022, so I was beyond thrilled when I was approved to review an ARC of AMERICAN DAUGHTERS. I love books centering the strength of female friendships, as well as biographical fiction that shows us the personal side of real historical figures. Piper Huguley is one of the finest biofic authors writing today, and AMERICAN DAUGHTERS is a riveting exploration of the friendship between Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the eldest children of their famous fathers (Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt).
Though they hail from different backgrounds and experiences, Portia and Alice have a lot of things in common: their ambitions, their frustrations as women forced to maneuver in a man's world, and their concerns over the future of the country. A passionate advocate for education like her father, Portia travels the world honing her skills as a gifted musician and sharing Black culture through the spiritual songs she learned as a child, while Alice finds subversive ways to influence political machinations from within the privileged circle of the Washington DC social scene.
While both women face challenges and hardships in their marriages and with motherhood, their resilience, courage, and survivors' instincts will have readers invested from the start. I really loved learning about Portia and Alice. This is a book with high emotional pay-off, and a great message--one you'll be pondering long after you turn the final page.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Though they hail from different backgrounds and experiences, Portia and Alice have a lot of things in common: their ambitions, their frustrations as women forced to maneuver in a man's world, and their concerns over the future of the country. A passionate advocate for education like her father, Portia travels the world honing her skills as a gifted musician and sharing Black culture through the spiritual songs she learned as a child, while Alice finds subversive ways to influence political machinations from within the privileged circle of the Washington DC social scene.
While both women face challenges and hardships in their marriages and with motherhood, their resilience, courage, and survivors' instincts will have readers invested from the start. I really loved learning about Portia and Alice. This is a book with high emotional pay-off, and a great message--one you'll be pondering long after you turn the final page.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 1, 2024
I’ve been going back and forth on what rating I’d give this. It changed throughout the book, and so I think I’m settling on 1.5.
There were a few things I enjoyed. I love historical fiction when it’s pretty true. And unfortunately this was pretty much made up. The author changed dates around and locations to satisfy her made up story. There are only three accounts at of so called proof that Portia and Alice were friends. So I can’t even believe they were friends. More like acquaintances.
The book jumped around d from different years, so Portia may have a few chapters 1919 to 1924 then Alice is 1915-1917. It was incredibly hard to follow.
And having two women to write about, despite being motherless, was too much. Stretched too thin with no character development.
We’re teddy and booker really friends? I doubt it. I would’ve rather read a fiction Alize’s story about a black woman in the early 20th century, the daughter of a made up author. Ughhhh it drives me crazy when authors take the liberty to make up a bunch of stuff.
Okay, maybe I’ll give it 2/10. One for Portia because I enjoyed her character and would have e rather read her biography.
The writing was also subpar. Wtf edited this!?
There were a few things I enjoyed. I love historical fiction when it’s pretty true. And unfortunately this was pretty much made up. The author changed dates around and locations to satisfy her made up story. There are only three accounts at of so called proof that Portia and Alice were friends. So I can’t even believe they were friends. More like acquaintances.
The book jumped around d from different years, so Portia may have a few chapters 1919 to 1924 then Alice is 1915-1917. It was incredibly hard to follow.
And having two women to write about, despite being motherless, was too much. Stretched too thin with no character development.
We’re teddy and booker really friends? I doubt it. I would’ve rather read a fiction Alize’s story about a black woman in the early 20th century, the daughter of a made up author. Ughhhh it drives me crazy when authors take the liberty to make up a bunch of stuff.
Okay, maybe I’ll give it 2/10. One for Portia because I enjoyed her character and would have e rather read her biography.
The writing was also subpar. Wtf edited this!?
September 20, 2024
Maybe 2.5 stars. This had a good premise - a friendship between the daughters of Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T Washington. However, the writing was simplistic and the friendship seemed contrived.
June 19, 2024
Portia, daughter of Booker T. Washington, and Alice, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt forge an unlikely friendship in their youth. Their relationship endures, becoming more significant as the years unfold. The bond they make transcends issues of race and gender in early 20th century politics. Fiery Alice wants to be in the center of everything, while Portia longs for the freedom to immerse herself in the study and practice of classical music. Both have grown up motherless, and both are adored by fathers who don’t have the time to lavish them with attention. American Daughters is rich in historical detail. Alice and Portia may have been secondary players to their fathers’ starring roles, but in American Daughters, the author gives them top billing.
February 1, 2025
AMERICAN DAUGHTERS, by the talented Piper Huguley, portrays the lives and friendship of Portia Washington, the musically talented daughter of Booker T. Washington, and Alice Roosevelt, the infamous daughter of President Teddy Roosevelt. And the book proves the reason I’m a confirmed fan of Dr. Huguley, especially for her portrayal of Southern people/ happenings that we should definitely know more about. This is a book to savor for mutlitple reasons: the thoroughly engaging story, with the surprising (and unsurprising, if you’ve studied women’s rights/civil rights) similarities and stark differences each woman lived; the deeper dive into Booker T.’s work and what Portia did with it; the push for both women to marry without any knowledge of the important matters and their rights and available choices after these disastrous marriages; the treatment by women of other women, such as stepmothers and daughters; the treatment of fathers and their daughters; and how both of these women were so strong and capable in their own rights. Certainly, they had the ability to carry on their fathers’ legacies—but for being born female in those times. I loved learning of Portia’s musical talents and time abroad! And so much about Alice that would be spolier if I mentioned.
The reader gets all of this (and more) in a tale that is spun with page-turning curiosity seeds. I was thoroughly immersed and entertained. Huguley has done it again, sealing her spot in my “must-read” author list. An important work that sparks from the very first chapter. Not to miss.
I asked the publisher for the audio and wasn’t given access—I hope there is an audio! I image it will be well received and I suffer from FOMO. Thank you for this advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for publishing Dr. Huguley’s work!
The reader gets all of this (and more) in a tale that is spun with page-turning curiosity seeds. I was thoroughly immersed and entertained. Huguley has done it again, sealing her spot in my “must-read” author list. An important work that sparks from the very first chapter. Not to miss.
I asked the publisher for the audio and wasn’t given access—I hope there is an audio! I image it will be well received and I suffer from FOMO. Thank you for this advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for publishing Dr. Huguley’s work!
May 20, 2024
Highly entertaining. Well-written narrative about Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt and their unique friendship.
Issues of race. class, politics are woven into a story about two women sometimes surviving but often taking agency in a world that remains the same, while also evolving foe women and Black Americans.
As with all this author's work, it is well-researched and original.
Issues of race. class, politics are woven into a story about two women sometimes surviving but often taking agency in a world that remains the same, while also evolving foe women and Black Americans.
As with all this author's work, it is well-researched and original.
October 12, 2024
Well who knew? I went into this with a limited knowledge of Anne Roosevelt but no knowledge of Portia Washington. Both women had fascinating lives as they were the daughters of the most famous men of the time and truly had everyone watching everything they did. (Remember, this is prior to film stars....so they were it!)
I appreciated the organization of the sections and the dual voices. I do think it could have been edited for a more concise read. Solid read.
I appreciated the organization of the sections and the dual voices. I do think it could have been edited for a more concise read. Solid read.
March 14, 2024
I have seen books about Alice Roosevelt being the wild child but I always enjoy a historical fiction tale so I was excited to get this ARC. This book is about Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, the daughters of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington. In 1901, Teddy Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to the White House and the country exploded! A black man invited to the White House? Alice and Portia struck up a friendship, although it doesn't seem like they saw each other much because of their busy lives. They both married crap husbands which was not fun to read about. Most of this book is back and forth about the women's individual lives because there are not too many records of them actually being together. Alice was white and led a very privileged life while Portia had to work hard for her life. Both women lost their mothers which I did not know and their fathers remarried. Alice was named after her mother and her father could never even say her name. How sad was that? It was an interesting book and I may look into further reading of both women.
-"I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Getting into trouble is what I do best."
-I never knew any part of my father so well as I knew the back of him.
In Author's note:
My hopes are that in reading a reconstruction of their relationship, more of us might make the effort to understand what we have in common instead of keeping our relentless focus on how we differ.
-"I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Getting into trouble is what I do best."
-I never knew any part of my father so well as I knew the back of him.
In Author's note:
My hopes are that in reading a reconstruction of their relationship, more of us might make the effort to understand what we have in common instead of keeping our relentless focus on how we differ.
July 11, 2024
Loved their friendship, found both of them to be interesting individual characters. Both of their husbands were trash. Like straight to jail level trash, but as usual the privileged white characters trash was slightly better smelling, while Sidney Pittman was literally as stinky as his name suggested.
Enjoyed the President and First Lady cameos and thinking about how DC has always been the political swamp that I know and love
Enjoyed the President and First Lady cameos and thinking about how DC has always been the political swamp that I know and love
May 22, 2025
American Daughters by Piper Huguley portrays the unlikely friendship between Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Teddy Roosevelt, and Portia Washington, daughter of Booker T. Washington. While the two women did not see each often, they maintained a long-term friendship.
Alice and Portia are both bound by the times in which they live as well as expectations thrust upon them because of their fathers’ positions in life. Both women are well educated. Portia is a talented musician and studied music in Germany for a time. Alice’s mother died shortly after she was born, and Portia experienced the same loss. Both have stepmothers who do not fulfill the role of a mother well.
Sadly, both women make unfortunate marriages to abusive men, causing their lives to be in almost constant upheaval. They are both strong women who forge their own paths despite the restrictions placed upon them.
For book clubs, American Daughters provides much to discuss. The period of time and the restrictions on women will be a topic of conversation. The status of both Alice and Portia because of their fathers will be another discussion. Other topics will include domestic violence, infidelity, politics, and education.
Alice and Portia are both bound by the times in which they live as well as expectations thrust upon them because of their fathers’ positions in life. Both women are well educated. Portia is a talented musician and studied music in Germany for a time. Alice’s mother died shortly after she was born, and Portia experienced the same loss. Both have stepmothers who do not fulfill the role of a mother well.
Sadly, both women make unfortunate marriages to abusive men, causing their lives to be in almost constant upheaval. They are both strong women who forge their own paths despite the restrictions placed upon them.
For book clubs, American Daughters provides much to discuss. The period of time and the restrictions on women will be a topic of conversation. The status of both Alice and Portia because of their fathers will be another discussion. Other topics will include domestic violence, infidelity, politics, and education.
October 15, 2025
American Daughters tells the friendship between Alice Roosevelt Longworth and Portia Washington Pittman. When Theodore Roosevelt is inaugurated as president, Portia happens to meet Alice, and they quickly strike up a friendship. Both of them have lost their real mothers and are ignored by their fathers. The book also chronicles their failed marriages and personal struggles. Throughout their difficulties, they support each other.
I learned about Alice Roosevelt after reading a few books on her. However, I have never heard of Portia Washington Pittman, so I was curious to learn their story. These women were very likable. I felt sorry for the personal struggles that they went through in life. They had a lot in common. They were mostly neglected by their fathers and yearned for their attention. They were very spirited. Their youthful, fanciful dreams of romance was not what it turned out to be. However, I found that both of them were strong women, and I admired their friendship.
Overall, this book is about friendship, choices, and perseverance. I admired all of the characters and thought that they were true to their historical counterparts. I did find the pacing of the book to be uneven. There were some very slow parts and other parts seemed rushed. I also wished that this book would not have ended in the year of 1930. I would have liked for Mrs. Huguley to have written about their later years. Nevertheless, American Daughters was a very captivating read! I did not want this book to end! I also thought that the book was very well written and was meticulously researched. I recommend this book for fans of American Princess, The President’s Wife, and If a Poem Could Live and Breathe! American Daughters is a wonderful tribute to two very remarkable women!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
I learned about Alice Roosevelt after reading a few books on her. However, I have never heard of Portia Washington Pittman, so I was curious to learn their story. These women were very likable. I felt sorry for the personal struggles that they went through in life. They had a lot in common. They were mostly neglected by their fathers and yearned for their attention. They were very spirited. Their youthful, fanciful dreams of romance was not what it turned out to be. However, I found that both of them were strong women, and I admired their friendship.
Overall, this book is about friendship, choices, and perseverance. I admired all of the characters and thought that they were true to their historical counterparts. I did find the pacing of the book to be uneven. There were some very slow parts and other parts seemed rushed. I also wished that this book would not have ended in the year of 1930. I would have liked for Mrs. Huguley to have written about their later years. Nevertheless, American Daughters was a very captivating read! I did not want this book to end! I also thought that the book was very well written and was meticulously researched. I recommend this book for fans of American Princess, The President’s Wife, and If a Poem Could Live and Breathe! American Daughters is a wonderful tribute to two very remarkable women!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
March 24, 2024
American Daughters is the story of 2 extraordinary women - Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington. While they were of different race and social status, their friendship was forged through their similar experiences as daughters of famous men (President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T Washington) and whose mothers died in childbirth and were raised by diffident stepmothers. Their stories are told through alternating chapters detailing parallel events in their lives.
I absolutely loved this book. As soon as I finished it I was googling for more information about these characters. I look forward to reading more about them.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I absolutely loved this book. As soon as I finished it I was googling for more information about these characters. I look forward to reading more about them.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
July 7, 2024
American Daughters highlights the friendship of Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, the daughters of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington. Piper Huguley illuminates the unusual friendship of these two young women, but the background of cultural and historical events kept me reading past my bedtime. The book follows both women through marriage and childbirth, through political and societal turmoil, while they struggle with women's roles and racial tensions. Huguley has written an absorbing and in some ways, surprising, book. I appreciated the author's notes and references she included--obviously reflected in the quality of her writing.
March 23, 2024
Loved this! Chronicles the friendship ship between Alice Roosevelt (teddys daughter) and Portia Washington (booker t washingtons daughter). Loved learning about both women individually and together, and the ways their lives mirrored each others. Out 4/24
October 10, 2024
Loved this audiobook, well narrated! Loved the story of both women.
April 21, 2024
Set from 1901-1930, this is the fictionalized friendship of Alice Roosevelt (Teddy's daughter) with Portia Washington (Booker T's daughter). The author gathered the facts from other books and also changed a few facts and dates to fit her own telling.
I didn't think the writing was all that great, but the story was of interest to me. The author did make a few scenes too explicit for my liking, though.
Alice seemed to be quite a flamboyant young woman who enhanced her father's career by her friendliness and political knowledge. She supposedly met Portia and snuck her into the Whitehouse via a side door to visit her when that kind of friendship was looked down upon. President Roosevelt has welcomed Booker T. Washington to the White House in 1901 which caused a ruckus in some circles.
Alice met an older congressman who overtly propositioned her. She refused, but later married him. He had quite the reputation as a womanizer which he continued to practice during their marriage. That and her dislike of his mother caused the marriage to be in name only,
Portia was seduced by an older man also--an architect whom her father had financed through college. He was an abusive husband, so their marriage, even with three children was doomed to fail.
With this ugliness running through the book, there were also stories of the political moving of America with its different presidents, and some of the functioning of Tuskegee Institute.
I didn't think the writing was all that great, but the story was of interest to me. The author did make a few scenes too explicit for my liking, though.
Alice seemed to be quite a flamboyant young woman who enhanced her father's career by her friendliness and political knowledge. She supposedly met Portia and snuck her into the Whitehouse via a side door to visit her when that kind of friendship was looked down upon. President Roosevelt has welcomed Booker T. Washington to the White House in 1901 which caused a ruckus in some circles.
Alice met an older congressman who overtly propositioned her. She refused, but later married him. He had quite the reputation as a womanizer which he continued to practice during their marriage. That and her dislike of his mother caused the marriage to be in name only,
Portia was seduced by an older man also--an architect whom her father had financed through college. He was an abusive husband, so their marriage, even with three children was doomed to fail.
With this ugliness running through the book, there were also stories of the political moving of America with its different presidents, and some of the functioning of Tuskegee Institute.
February 15, 2024
Piper Huguley is an author I greatly admire and respect and once again, she has left me in awe of her talents and storytelling. Her historical novel, AMERICAN DAUGHTERS, tells the story of the remarkable friendship of Portia Washington, daughter of Booker t. Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of President Teddy Roosevelt. An interracial friendship frowned upon during it time, Huguley masterfully marries fact with fiction as she takes us into the lives of two women who were more alike than different. Huguley doesn't shy from touching on the issues of race or the trials and tribulations of women who were expected to walk in the shadows of the men they loved and cared about. .AMERICAN DAUGHTERS is a brilliant read! My appreciation to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced read.
April 14, 2025
Great storyline. It didn't hold my interest. I will go back and try again in the future.
January 29, 2024
I adore the author's historical fiction, in which she illuminates the lives of less well known women of achievement, including exceptional black women, by telling their stories in elegant compelling prose.
Her latest, American Daughters, is equally riveting, as it reveals the strong friendship between two women of different races and famous fathers: Alice Roosevelt (President Teddy Roosevelt) and Portia Washington (famous black educator Booker T. Washington).
I was drawn in from the first page, and felt I had a front-row seat to history, as the two women battled sexism and/or racism and were forced to live tightly-controlled lives. This absorbing novel left me wondering what they could have accomplished had they'd been born a century later.
Highly recommended for histfic fans who love smart engaging tales of unsung women.
Her latest, American Daughters, is equally riveting, as it reveals the strong friendship between two women of different races and famous fathers: Alice Roosevelt (President Teddy Roosevelt) and Portia Washington (famous black educator Booker T. Washington).
I was drawn in from the first page, and felt I had a front-row seat to history, as the two women battled sexism and/or racism and were forced to live tightly-controlled lives. This absorbing novel left me wondering what they could have accomplished had they'd been born a century later.
Highly recommended for histfic fans who love smart engaging tales of unsung women.
June 11, 2024
def one of the more boring books I read
took me so long
these women probably had such an exciting story and it just talks about their families and they barely talk with each other and its all so boring
took me so long
these women probably had such an exciting story and it just talks about their families and they barely talk with each other and its all so boring
June 15, 2024
I wanted to like this book but found it a chore to finish.
Read
February 16, 2025A missed opportunity. I think the premise of the story was a promising one, a historical novel based on the friendship between Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice and Booker T. Washington’s daughter Portia, during a time of strict segregation. The two were acquainted in real life, but given the sparse historical records about Portia Washington, the depth of the relationship and events seem pretty speculative, in spite of the author’s notes about her research sources. Author Piper Huguley’s intentions seem good, but the execution of this story as a novel fell short of my expectations.
First, there were minor quibbles that set up my initial attitude. There were many anachronisms in language, with quite a few instances of dialogue that included words and expressions not used in the years covered here (mostly between 1905-1924), expressions that didn’t come into the common usage until 30 years or more later. To me, this showed a lack of concern for historical accuracy. This disregard leached into sloppiness about societal mores as well, straining credibility at times. .
Again, a minor quibble, but the structure of the book, alternating between chapters covering Alice’s and Portia’s lives and viewpoints, were also separated by time frames that didn’t match exactly, which I found a little “jumpy” and made the sequence of events a little confusing.
And there were instances of narrative from each woman’s viewpoint that were expository and detached, when the impact of the events described would have been more compelling and illustrated character more effectively if translated into scenes, allowing us to experience the event more closely, .
Often the characters lacked realistic reactions. .
I enjoyed the parts about Portia more than those about Alice. Alice seemed to be a bit of a dope.
Overall, while this idea had potential, it lacked historical accuracy, even for a novel, and realism in terms of human nature. In the end, there were too many different elements that fell short for me to recommend this.
First, there were minor quibbles that set up my initial attitude. There were many anachronisms in language, with quite a few instances of dialogue that included words and expressions not used in the years covered here (mostly between 1905-1924), expressions that didn’t come into the common usage until 30 years or more later. To me, this showed a lack of concern for historical accuracy. This disregard leached into sloppiness about societal mores as well, straining credibility at times. .
Again, a minor quibble, but the structure of the book, alternating between chapters covering Alice’s and Portia’s lives and viewpoints, were also separated by time frames that didn’t match exactly, which I found a little “jumpy” and made the sequence of events a little confusing.
And there were instances of narrative from each woman’s viewpoint that were expository and detached, when the impact of the events described would have been more compelling and illustrated character more effectively if translated into scenes, allowing us to experience the event more closely, .
Often the characters lacked realistic reactions. .
I enjoyed the parts about Portia more than those about Alice. Alice seemed to be a bit of a dope.
Overall, while this idea had potential, it lacked historical accuracy, even for a novel, and realism in terms of human nature. In the end, there were too many different elements that fell short for me to recommend this.
March 25, 2024
American Daughters by Piper Hughley focuses on two women who are divided by the color of their skin in a time where the world was changing; one the world knew as the President’s wild child daughter, and the other not nearly as explored, but also lived a truly interesting life.
The novel opens with the meeting of these two famous daughters, Alice Roosevelt and the daughter of Booker T. Washington, Portia Washington. Alice is considered an American Princess, being the first daughter and oldest child of Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States. Portia and Alice begin a friendship despite the discouragement of the day they lived in, that lasts all their lives. We follow as Portia and Alice grow as women, one (Alice) living life as she pleases, falling in love and flirting with a cad of a man, smoking on the roof of the White House, and infamously carrying her pet snake in her purse to many a formal event. The other, (Portia) longs to study in Germany with the music masters of the day after she finishes college, despite a man wishing for her hand. Both girls have unconventional courtships before marrying men who they both find wanting, but remain friends through out each milestone.
I would highly recommend this novel for fans of women’s history, and historical fiction. I do advise readers to keep a close eye on the time lines of the chapters as sometimes it can get a little confusing. I do look forward to reading more of Piper Hugley’s work, and I would love to see more about Portia Washington.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!
The novel opens with the meeting of these two famous daughters, Alice Roosevelt and the daughter of Booker T. Washington, Portia Washington. Alice is considered an American Princess, being the first daughter and oldest child of Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States. Portia and Alice begin a friendship despite the discouragement of the day they lived in, that lasts all their lives. We follow as Portia and Alice grow as women, one (Alice) living life as she pleases, falling in love and flirting with a cad of a man, smoking on the roof of the White House, and infamously carrying her pet snake in her purse to many a formal event. The other, (Portia) longs to study in Germany with the music masters of the day after she finishes college, despite a man wishing for her hand. Both girls have unconventional courtships before marrying men who they both find wanting, but remain friends through out each milestone.
I would highly recommend this novel for fans of women’s history, and historical fiction. I do advise readers to keep a close eye on the time lines of the chapters as sometimes it can get a little confusing. I do look forward to reading more of Piper Hugley’s work, and I would love to see more about Portia Washington.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance reader copy!
March 17, 2025
This historical novel tells of the friendship between the daughters of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington across racial lines. Both daughters of famous men, they had much in common but also the divide of race and culture. Both their birth mothers died of complications of childbirth, both had difficult stepmothers, and both chose disappointing men to be their husband. Imagine Portia's shock when shortly after they met, Alice asks her to play coon songs. However, Alice proves to be a good friend, and Portia returns the favor by being a good ear in which to reveal troubles. Material on this friendship is scanty, so the author does have to have imagination based on what historical evidence remains. Material on Alice is more abundant, of course. I enjoyed learning of Portia's musical talent of which I knew nothing. In fact, I didn't even know she existed. Thanks to the author I have a better understanding of these women, their times, and their associates. Even though I gave three stars, I would recommend this book to those who are interested even though the antics of the husbands are difficult to take.
February 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
I requested this book because the plot and the cover looked enticing. This was an interesting tale about the friendship between the daughters of Booker T Washington and Teddy Roosevelt. I had no clue they were good friends. I liked both heroines and I thought they were very strong characters. I would be interested in reading books about both women sometime in the future. I would also be interested in reading more books by Piper Hughley.
If you like books by Marie Benedict, Fiona Davis, or Victoria Christopher Murray, you will enjoy this book!
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I requested this book because the plot and the cover looked enticing. This was an interesting tale about the friendship between the daughters of Booker T Washington and Teddy Roosevelt. I had no clue they were good friends. I liked both heroines and I thought they were very strong characters. I would be interested in reading books about both women sometime in the future. I would also be interested in reading more books by Piper Hughley.
If you like books by Marie Benedict, Fiona Davis, or Victoria Christopher Murray, you will enjoy this book!
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... (follow me and/or send a friend request!)
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (I follow back all Book accounts)
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)
April 4, 2024
"American Daughters" by Piper Huguley is a historical novel that explores the remarkable friendship between Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt.
These two women, daughters of educator Booker T. Washington and President Teddy Roosevelt lived during the turn of the twentieth century.
Despite societal differences and cultural barriers, they were bound by their expected roles as the offspring of renowned statesmen. The novel provides an intriguing glimpse into the lives of these historical women.
Its vivid portrayal of friendship and resilience makes it an interesting read. I recommend it to those interested in historical fiction and character-driven narratives
These two women, daughters of educator Booker T. Washington and President Teddy Roosevelt lived during the turn of the twentieth century.
Despite societal differences and cultural barriers, they were bound by their expected roles as the offspring of renowned statesmen. The novel provides an intriguing glimpse into the lives of these historical women.
Its vivid portrayal of friendship and resilience makes it an interesting read. I recommend it to those interested in historical fiction and character-driven narratives
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