Lady Washington: A Biographical Novel about America's First First Lady

by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

Widowed at the age of twenty-seven by the death of her beloved husband, Martha Custis entertains Colonel George Washington at her Williamsburg mansion and soon becomes the wife of the rising war hero

Genres: Historical Fiction

376 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1984

About the author

Dorothy Clarke Wilson (May 9, 1904 – March 26, 2003) was an American writer, perhaps best known for her novel Prince of Egypt (1949), which was a primary source for the Cecil B. DeMille film, The Ten Commandments (1956).

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[✧*̥˚ Jordyn *˚✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐

History, history, history.
What can I say?
I started this back right before 2023 started as I was desperate to cross my 100 book goal for 2022.
But, I was stuck in NY at my Grandparent's home.... so what do I do? I explore their house for books I might enjoy. (all of my grandparents are VERY big readers). While searching one of the many bookshelves I found this. A simple red book with gold letters on the side spelling Lady Washington. So I brushed off the dust and my adventure began.

Never before have I had the grace of reading a book about Lady Washington that was this good. It was AMAZING how it read like a novel instead of an information pit. The author must have done an incredible amount of research because I feel like my entire life was a silver of the information I just retained in just 300 smth pages. Not only did the author show the flourishing way that the Washington's faith truly impacted everything in their life, but she also showed them in the ways that showed how real and human they were.

Ms. Wilson remarkably showed the entire lifetime of Lady Washington, but for any of those considering this book I want to say that it won't be one of those history books that they ramp everything up to keep your attention. I respect Ms. Wilson for not changing history just for her book to be read.

Anyone in need of text/material for US history? This is the novel-like book for your American Revolution and first president periods.

Content:
🇺🇸 Violence: Honestly any action in this book isn't rly overly described so I'm leaving this at none (bc this is Lady Washington's pov there aren't too-to0 many intimate details of violence) Any action/violence is minor in my opinion (keep in mind this is somewhat an older book)
🇺🇸 Alcohol/wine: None that I can recall (besides parties etc but it's hardly mentioned if anything)
🇺🇸 Sexual: I don't remember anything being detailed or intimate but she was married obviously
🇺🇸 Age recommendation: 10/11 years up

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and well researched, it is rumored that Washington loved Lady Fairfax, but I think that this story is more accurate. I have visited Mt. Vernon and feel that Martha's personality matches the details that you see fictionally portrayed in this book. Washington was a planter and a statesman and it is so sweet how Martha's devotion helps her to grow along with her husband's career. All is tastefully and tenderly illuminated for the reader's enjoyment.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot about the presidents and first ladies, but I'd never read an in-depth biography about Martha Washington. While this book is a biographical novel, the author did a lot of research and most of it is accurate. I have to say that this book caused me to admire Martha much more than I would've imagined. She was a truly, incredible lady.

[Elsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too easy to forget the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for a country who provides amazing rights to so many people.

[Ginger Petrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy Wilson's book about Lady Washington. Very nice insights into the Washington's homelife. She was a quiet strength to the Father of Our Country.

[Terry Platt]

Not one to enjoy reading historical novels about someone, I actually enjoyed this as it read more like a novel.

[Ann Otto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I learned some new things about the period and Mary Washington, this historical novel from 1984 doesn't age well in narrative style.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Washington written by Dorothy Clarke Wilson is beautifully written. I tell you...I felt like I was in the middle of the grand White House with Martha Dandgridge and Daniel Parke Custis after they got married. The descriptions of the home, the furnishings, the landscaping...remarkable! I was transported through history. Learned much about Lady Washington's childhood, adolescence and courtship. We then felt her grief when she lost her two children, followed by her husband. We learned it was not easy (and not acceptable) for a young woman (with or without children) to stay a widow at a young age and it was expected to remarry.

We were introduced to Mr. George Washington and were able to read about some of the great events that he took part of---History!!! Courtship and Marriage followed by more grief.

This is such a great book. I am so happy that I pulled if off the shelf.

[Sumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fictional biography of Martha Washington. The style reminded me of Irving Stone's fictional biographies. It starts with her as a teen who marries one of the wealthiest Virginia planters. She lost two children, making the remaining two so precious to her that spoiled them dreadfully. After she loses her first husband, she meets and marries George Washington.

Personally, I never felt that George loved Martha when he married her as much as he loved her money. After all, he was very much in love with his friend's wife, Sally Fairfax. I do think that he learned to love her over the years and I like the way the author decided handle that.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Behind every great man who sacrifices for the common good, is a greater woman, who sacrificed more. This historical fiction that tells the story of Martha Wasington, the first "First Lady" was well done. I enjoyed reading about the sorrows and triumphs of this truly great couple who gave up 16 years of their lives to give us the nation we now live in...

[Kathy Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. The author sure researched it well. Many homey details were furnished, including many small details of her clothes. This made you think that Martha and George truly loved each other and longed always to be together.

[Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This taught me alot about Martha Washington, I appreciated it for the things that I learned about American History because of reading it.

[Cws]

92W

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book, beautifully written. very interesting to read about the first, first lady. i have not read anything about her before.