A More Perfect Union

Midwife #3

by Jodi Daynard

In 1794, Johnny Watkins returns to America from Barbados, intent on becoming a great statesman. Even his hero, John Adams, believes the gifted boy will go far. There’s just one Johnny must learn to pass for white.

He finds a spirited and lovely confidante in Kate, one of the few who knows that Johnny’s father had been born a slave. But as he moves closer toward the new city of Washington, Johnny leaves Kate behind, falling instead for a prominent Maryland heiress who may not have his best interests at heart. Embroiled in the vicious politics of the approaching election, Johnny lives every moment at risk of being unmasked.

Then, a discovery about Thomas Jefferson, one that could sway the election, imperils not only Johnny’s future but also his life. In the end, Johnny learns who his real friends are—and the truth behind the great promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, American Revolution

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

Jodi Daynard is the author of the bestselling novels The Midwife’s Revolt and Our Own Country. She has also published The Place Within: Portraits of the American Landscape by 20 Contemporary Writers. Her essays and short stories have appeared in numerous periodicals, including Agni, The New England Review, The New York Times Book Review, Fiction, and the Paris Review. Ms. Daynard has taught writing at Harvard University, at MIT, and in the MFA program at Emerson College.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Midwife series.This was an absolutely fascinating book. Thank you to the author,Jodi Daynard for her impeccable research. Returning from Barbados to America John Watkins is intent on becoming a great statesman As long as John Watkins can pass for white all will go well for him according to his hero,John Adams. Schooled at Harvard and with a remarkable memory Johnny does go far . He has a special friendship with Kate who knew that Johnny's father had been born a slave but yet it didn't matter to her. He leaves her behind as he is caught up in the beauty of a prominent Maryland heiress. He has inside information that could sway the 1800 election and this impacts his safely and life. Who is he safe with and who is really his friend? Does anyone have his best interest at heart? There were so many twists and turns in this book that I just didn't see coming. This is such a fascinating book with an excellent plot, very smooth reading! I must read books one and two now in this series to get the full story line.
Pub Date 23 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a review
copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Bonnie Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive about continuing with this series because I had read several reviews saying that it was slow and not as good as the first two. One review that especially concerned me spoke of revisionist history. I'm so glad that I ignored these opinions and finished the series.



Like Our Own Country, this book centered mainly upon one character—Johnny, Eliza Boylston's son with John Watkins, a half-black runaway slave. The story opens in Barbados, the island to which Eliza, John and baby Johnny fled after John ran away. Eliza's father owned a home and plantation there and he had left it to Eliza upon his death.

Now 15, Johnny is anxious to move to the US and attend Harvard so that he can become a lawyer and, eventually, a politician. From the stories he's read and heard, he idealizes America and can't wait to make his mark. John had died a few years earlier, so Eliza finally acquiesced, and they journeyed back to Braintree, Massachusetts to stay with Lizzie and her family.

What unfolds from there is far from slow or boring. Johnny has to hide the fact that he is one-quarter black and that his father was a former slave. If anyone were to find out, he would never be admitted to Harvard. Luckily for him, he could pass for white, and his secret would be safe as long as he stuck to the script. Johnny is kind, loving, earnest, hard-working, and possesses unimpeachable morals and ethics. Due to his cloistered upbringing, however, he thinks that everyone is like him. Unfortunately, he learns all too quickly that that is not the case.

Once again, the author does a superb job in her use of the language of the late 1700s. Additionally, her story is replete with details such as the diseases of the times, the fashions of the times, how the weather affected travel, the layout and construction of Washington DC, the differences in the attitudes of the northern and southern (Maryland and Virginia) states, the contentious relationship between President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson and Adams' other detractors, etc.



One thing that made me shake my head many times was the state of the political parties. I think that the founding fathers tend to be idealized and we think that political intrigue and partisanship is a modern construct, or at least that it's the worst that it's ever been. However, since the drafting of our constitution, partisan bickering has been the norm, and lies, deceit and power struggles have been a part of the fabric of our government from its inception.

I loved Johnny's naivety and his exceptional character. I loved seeing how he maneuvered within the constraints of society during that time. I loved that, generally speaking, he didn't let the unfairness of the time break his spirit or deter him from achieving his goals. In case you can't tell, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.



Oh, and one cool thing... the author actually mentioned the name of the city in which I was born and raised—Haverhill. Johnny's friend, Kate, stayed there for a while with a relative, helping her care for her children. It's not important to the story at all. It just surprised me and made me smile.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"But even this, my excellent critique of one previously so well-revered, can hardly be called genius. Many have such a fine faculty. Yet, in being critical, I do not create anything new. I merely tear down. And genius must go beyond memory or even critical understanding. Genius must create something new or at least provide a new way of seeing the world."

[Lynne Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! So much history throughout this book , that draws you in. The characters were so intriguing and full of interesting back grounds.That will keep you reading to the very end. The storyline will have you cheering and at times sadden for the wonderful characters . A must read for history lovers and people who love a great book . I won this book on a giveaway at Goodreads.

[KP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series, The Midwife's Revolt (Lizzie), and very much enjoyed the second revolving around Eliza's character, given from her perspective while covering much the same plot as the first book. Although many of the significant parts of the book were similar in topic- the different perspective kept it very interesting! Daynard's third installment, A More Perfect Union, was completely different in plot, focusing on Eliza's son, Johnny, all grown up. Maybe it was because I listened to this book and was SO annoyed with the narrator, that I did not enjoy the story as much this time around. His voice inflections made him sound angry, and it was opposite of the main character he was portraying.

Daynard's take on the history was interesting. It leaned very pro-Adams and rather anti-Jeffersonian in her slant of our founding fathers relationships and entanglements. Johnny, being front and center
in all the drama. But in all, this was rather a meh for me. I missed Lizzie and her adventures!

[Char Jameson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I loved Jodi's first two books in the series- I followed her updates throughout the year, and even preordered this book and waited for the release-however that's where my excited seemed to end, sadly. This story was rather dull and boring to me. Nothing kept me excited about picking up and reading more. The dialogue was bland to me and characters were not well developed. About halfway into the book, I even went ahead and purchased the audio narration to help me get through the book. Sadly, and I say sadly bc I am a huge Jodi fan, hearing it read to me while I went along, still did nothing to get me into the story. I will check out her future books, but this one just didn't hit the spot for me:(

[Gary David Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good srory

Enjoyed this story. The descriptions of the countryside, the sea and the trees ,made you see them in your mind. I have always thought that the Adam's family was so unusual . Their patriotism was taught in school and I have always been fascinated by Abigail. This series is well fleshed out and you know each character. Must recommend.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this book as much as the first two in the series but I'm glad I finished it. I found most of what happened to be either pretty predictable or just not interesting. Also, I listened to some of it and I did not enjoy the narrator at all which didn't help.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historic novel

This is an impressive series and this particular book was very well done. After reading the Author's Notes at the end, I have to whole-heartedly agree with her statement that politics are no different now than then. It's a very true and sad thought. As to Johnny's racial identity dilemma and crisis I say "bravo" for excellent writing and in-depth character analyses of this profoundly intelligently gifted young man. I have seen, firsthand, the deconstructing of such a young, enthusiatic, energetic and brilliant young man intimately, and this author captures the ugliness and depression to a 'T.' I thank her for her honest portrayals of Johhny, Jefferson, Adams, and the numerous other characters. The political atmosphere is full of treachery and passion, fear and hate.
Students of US history should read this well-written series. When will we learn the truth about this country's sordid history? Or shall we continue sugar-coating the truth about our history and politics and their affect on its citizens? I highly and enthusiastically recommend this book and the entire series to all readers.

[Foxy Grandma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed this series. It is always interesting to read historical fiction from other perspectives. There were some slow places in this book but I enjoyed learning where everyone from the other books ended up and following Johnny's life from Barbados and his life as a white man in America. I cheered and I moaned multiple times.

[Sharon Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

This entire series has been captivating. I really hate for it to end. However, it's been a great story to follow. Very well written although a bit formal at times. Just loved it!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but I actually found the history part to be really confusing.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 1 out of 5]

A tedious read. Could have been much more entertaining, but not for the lack of details.

[Terri Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Midwife series and I believe I enjoyed this one about the same as the first book and a little better than the second one. This story followed Johnny Watkins the son of Eliza Boylston and John Watkins. It picks up with Johnny and his mother on the ship from Barbados to Boston. Johnny frustrated me a few times as he was clearly not seeing some people as they truly were but as he wished them to be. I was hooked pretty early on and was eager to see how the story ended. As with the first two books in the series it was filled with historical figures from the 1700s to the 1800s. The first two books mostly took place in Massachusetts but this story follows Johnny to Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. If you enjoy historical fiction this is a book for you.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the third book of the series because of the robotic writing style. It felt like the author was rushing through the personal lives of the characters to get back to writing the historical piece. This centralized on the 1800 US election. I never know if I can believe half the history but I did find it interesting. I’m sad to finally end this series because I had become close to Lizzie, Martha and Eliza.

[Judith Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good tale!

The intrigues of presidential politics in the 1800's. I watch today's American politics with interest, thinking that they are thing of the 21st century , but no the presidential elections of 1800, has lies & political intrigue and real parallels to present day. A thoroughly good read which I really recommend. I have enjoyed reading the 3 books of the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent final book in this series with a great blend of fictional and real characters (Adams, Jefferson, and more). The novel highlights the ruthless politics of the 1800 election. Times haven't changed much it seems. I would recommend this entire series to anyone who enjoys American historical fiction.

[Jessica M. Fahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating historical fiction!

This serious was a wonderful read especially for someone who grew up in the areas of Braintree, Quincy, and Boston.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this "semi ficticious" series. Great research by Jodi Daynard. I felt like I was in New England, the heart of the birth our our nation. However, I realized that American politics has changed much; same shit, different century.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read the earlier books in the series so I likely did not appreciate this as much as those who have. It's a well written and touches on issues of race in Colonial America that we haven't often seen explored in fiction. Johnny is an interesting and well rounded character who sometimes makes decisions that you'll disagree with. The interplay between the founding fathers and the politics of the time are always fascinating; Daynard makes excellent use of them. This is a good one for those who like historical fiction, especially if you've been listening to Hamilton! Thanks to net galley for the ARC.

[trudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midwife Trilogy

Loved the Midwife series. Great historical novels and so interesting. Have recommended these books to many friends whom have all enjoyed them too.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A More Perfect Union is the 3rd in the Midwife series by Jodi Daynard, and I enjoyed it much more than the 2nd book in the series. It was back on the same par as the 1st book in the series---if not slightly better. This novel starts in the late 1790's and continues into the early 1800's.
This novel carries on with the life of Johnny Watkins or Johnny Boylston as he is known by throughout much of the novel. The reader never learns much about his growing up years between the time his mother, Eliza Boylston, and father John Watkins fled with him as as a baby from Massachusetts to Barbados. However, his father had become a highly successful shipbuilder.
The most remarkable characteristic Johnny had was a photographic memory in addition to being highly intelligent.
The story begins with Johnny and Eliza traveling to Cambridge for Johnny to enroll at Harvard. Since he is fair-skinned, it has been decided that he will tell no one else outside his family that his black heritage. He will live his life as a white man. Even though he is now living in the North, there were still severe limitations for black people. He would not have been admitted to Harvard as a black man.
Johnny develops a relationship with Kate, the oldest daughter of close family friends, who is interested in discussing books, politics and philosophies even though she has never attended school herself. However, he also becomes romantically involved with Marcia Byrnes, daughter of a Southern aristocrat, during a visit to Virginia with his first roommate, Peter Fray. Although he loves the beauty of the plantation home and the countryside of the South, he witnesses something happening to a female slave which horrifies him during that visit. The results of his reaction to that incident end up having far-reaching consequences for him.
Johnny ends up working closely with President John Adams and this brings me to what I enjoyed most about this book---the history of that time woven into the story. At times the historical events took prominence over the events in Johnny's personal life but they were closely connected. It was fascinating to read about the political factions and conflicts that were occurring before the presidential election of 1880. It felt very similar to much of what is going on in our own political climate today. I had not realized politics had become so ugly at that time. In addition to the information shared about John Adams, there is also much about the political role of Thomas Jefferson at that time. It presented a side of Thomas Jefferson I had not come across before---although it has probably been expressed in other sources.
This was a fascinating book and I loved the characters, the suspenseful plot and the history brought alive in it!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than book two, not as good as book one

I found this novel to be fairly predictable, but mostly enjoyable (I especially appreciated the illustration of the political climate). I wish the author had provided some explanation why the love marriage between Eliza and John only produced the one child, especially since they managed to conceive the very first time they were intimate. It seemed like it was just more convenient for the story, and I disliked that. There could have really been some sort of quick explanation, such as an illness or a disastrous miscarriage that prevented Eliza from conceiving again. It wouldn't have taken too much effort to tie up that loose end. So that bothered me, obviously, but I decided to keep going.

Spoilers ahead! You've been warned.

I loved the storyline with Eliot, and the Slotted Spoon Society. However, the whole love triangle, Johnny's deep friendship with Kate vs. his shallow connection with Marcia, was painfully obvious and I knew what would happen. And it did. I got pretty annoyed at Johnny for not itemizing the many ways in which Marcia was not right for him. I guess we're just supposed to think, well, he was young and didn't know better: she was too pretty. That's not enough for me. Marcia could have been written a bit better to make her more compelling, which would have perhaps made her betrayal at least a bit surprising. Scenes with her made me cringe. She was all wrong for Johnny - it's like the author wanted us to know unambiguously that in the end he had to choose Kate. Although he didn't even choose. She's just what was left after Marcia decided to forget that he existed.

Totally glossed over at the end: What happens to Kate, being married to a man openly acknowledged as black by the end of the book? Nothing? That's hard to believe. She has her publication, and three kids. That's all we know. Johnny goes by his real name and is known as a black lawyer, makes friends with other free black people, joins organizations, etc. And what happens to Kate? I'm sure that even though friends would accept the union, society wouldn't. What happened to their kids? This isn't a fairytale. There's a reason why his family swore themselves to secrecy. It was dangerous. I was willing to ignore the near-universal acceptance of baby Johnny in the first book since it wasn't the main plot, but this stretch was too far for me.

I usually don't write reviews, normally only when I get really irritated about something. These stories had a lot of potential and there's a lot to like (especially the characters from the first book), but books 2 and 3 hit upon some of my pet peeves, so I figure others who are like me would want to know.

[Yogi Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of history about the political conflicts, civil strife and betrayal during a vulnerable time in our country. Jodi tells the story of Johnny who is an innocent boy born from the love of his white mother and black father. Was it a blessing that Johnny was as handsome as his father who was very fair with beautiful aqua eyes or a curse? Was it a blessing that this young man grew up more intellegent than most boys his age or a curse? Was it a blessing that Johnny could pass for white or a curse?

As soon as his feet hit America, he became White Johnny. As a young boy who was privledged because he as white, Johnny attended Harvard and studied long and hard to earn the respect of his peers and professors. Unfortunately, the other students were not as studious as Johnny and he didn't make friends easily. He did overcome many obstacles and had a special relationship with one of the students who became a friend to his entire family. The doors opened for Johnny and he met and interacted with the creme de la creme of society because he was passing for a white boy. By all accounts he was intellegent enough to earn every ounce of any and everything that came his way. I like Johnny very much.

Throughout the entire book I was so afraid his secret would be revealed and all the people who knew him as a scholar would reject him because he is black. It was inevitable. The truth would have to be revealed and then it was and his world of happiness and success ended. When he woke from nearly drowning, he decided that White Johnny was dead.

This is a story well told by Jodi Daynard about a young mans journey through the painful evil of this world. Johnny knew the risks of being black in white skin. He knew that predujuce is based on what people see when they look at you, not what people know about you. As long as you are seen as a white man you are treated as a free man no matter if you have integrity or not. BUT when it is discovered that you are a black man, your dignity and freedoms are taken even if you have contributed and sacrificed to the common good of all people.

I told my husband about Johnny. Just a side note to say that my husband hates when I talk to him about my books! I asked him this question, if you could pass for a white man and avoid being a slave, would you? His answer was this, "A slave may prefer to work in the big house instead of the field but if I can avoid both I would."

A good book but I didn't like that all was revealed in the last 3 chapters. Most of the romance in the book was with the wrong person and very little romance was spent when Johnny and Kate got back together as adults. I would have preferred more romance between Johnny and Kate and less with the little hussey.

The entire series of books are good but this one was my favorite. I think Jodi is a good writer of history but doesn't do as well building up the romantic relationships between our couples.
The audible was excellently narrated by Marcus Stewart.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A More Perfect Union by Jodi Daynard is the story of one man’s journey in America. Its 1794, 15 year old Johnny Watkins has come to Boston from Barbados in order to get an education. He dreams of becoming a great statesman like his hero, John Adams, who thinks the young man can do it. There is one catch. He must pass for white. Johnny is of mixed race. Very few know that Johnny’s father was born a slave. It’s a secret that is heavily guarded. He lives day-to-day risking being found out at any moment. Soon a secret is discovered about a certain presidential candidate in the upcoming election. A secret which dangers Johnny’s future and his very life. Johnny must decide who he can trust. Can he truly trust anyone?
I loved the historical detail in A More Perfect Union. I was confused for most of the book until I realized it was part of a series. I read by other reviewers that it could be read as a stand-alone book but I found that is not the case. As I read, I felt I was reading allusions to information I should already know. I enjoyed the premise and the mystery of this book as Johnny tries to navigate the new American political system. I also think I would have enjoyed so much more if I had read the first two books. I’m going to check out the first two books and reread A More Perfect Union. In the meantime, I recommend this book as a great look into the early years of our country and the development of our political system.

A More Perfect Union
is available on Amazon
in paperback and on the Kindle

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. "A More Perfect Union" is the story of Johnny Watkins, a young man looking to contribute to the future of his adopted country of the United States in any way he kind. Inspired by great men like John Adams (who Johnny knows personally), he decides the best way that he can contribute is to become a politician and to truly lead his new country. Being mixed race, he has to pass for white in order to do what he aspires to do. He worries that his secret may be revealed at every turn.

This is the third book in Jodi Daynard's Midwife series but this book can very much be read as a stand alone book. The focus of the story is really on Johnny himself, the son of some of the previous characters in this trilogy. Although Johnny is hiding a secret, in many ways he is freer to pursue what he wants compared to the previous generation.

Johnny is right at the center of a lot of the political action of the time. He spends time in places like Boston, Maryland, and D.C. throughout the book meaning that he rubs elbows with a lot of the famous people at the time. I loved all of the detail that was included in the book! You get a good sense of the places that Johnny is seeing. There is also a love story at the center of the book that will keep you guessing (and rooting for Johnny and Kate) until the very end!

Overall, this book made me want to read more books set in this time period. This was a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, but much of it stands alone. While the first two books follow a similar storyline, as told from two different women's point of view, this book takes off when Johnny Watkins, son of slave John Watkins and Cambridge-bred Eliza Boylston, returns from Barbados to be educated at Harvard and make his mark in the states in the late 1700's. His appearance allows him to pass as "white" in society, but his secret haunts him. His intellectual gifts and desire to make his mark, push him to graduate in three years, and through his family connections, he works with John Adams in the contentious election of 1800. There is a lot of fascinating information about Thomas Jefferson as well, his political views, in a time when the state of the newly built union is extremely fragile. Johnny experiences the way of life of a Southerner as he visits homes in Virginia, Baltimore, and spends time in Philadelphia - the then-current capital of the union, and Washington as it is literally being built from swampland. Johnny tries to use the written word to expose those set on lies and deceit to bring down the government, but ultimately, the written word is used against Johnny.

[BernieMck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not find the book I read with this title on goodreads. The author was Tammye Huf and the book was awesome.

When Henry O'Toole escapes the Irish famine and sails to America, he doesn't expect the anti-Irish prejudices that await him. Determined never to starve again, he changes his name to Henry Taylor to secure a job and safeguard his future. Traveling south to Virginia, he meets Sarah, a slave woman torn from her family and sold to another plantation. There she must navigate the power system of the white masters, as well as the hierarchy of her fellow slaves.Even though Henry's white skin represents the oppression Sarah suffers under, and even though having Sarah at his side would force Henry to abandon his hopes of prosperity, their attraction is undeniable and they fall in love. But in 1849 on a Virginian plantation, inter-racial marriage is not only illegal but considered to be an ungodly abomination. No matter how much they want to be together, Sarah is trapped on Jubilee Plantation, owned by another man. This is a love story of epic proportions - a forbidden relationship that has been forged in secrecy, and faces betrayal and jeopardy at every turn.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story in which a young man is finding his true identity amid his country’s first steps on a path of finding its own. The political intrigue of the early Republic is an exciting backdrop to the story, with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson playing key roles in the protagonist’s life. The plot provides a vivid reminder of just how fragile the Union was in its earliest days. Brilliant, kind-hearted, but naive, the youth is easy to root for as he learns hard lessons about love, career ambition, and the great gulf between the young nation’s ideals and the realities of its society. His abiding hope for the nation’s ability to close that gulf, even amid the trauma he endures, is uplifting and resonant for our times.

A note for fans of HBO’s “John Adams”: The audiobook narrator nails Paul Giamatti’s take on Adams perfectly. He also does a great job with the rest of the characters.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows our protagonist from Barbados to Harvard and on into adult living during the late 1700's. While the story might not seem as interesting at first, realizing that our protagonist is part black and passing for white, during an era when having even 1/16 black made you black, no matter what color the skin, ratchets the otherwise common story into a constant anxiety attack situation. How can the protagonist watch as the great south mistreats people of whom he is part? How do you tip toe through school, apprenticeships, and public life, hiding one entire side of your culture? And can you, DARE you tell anyone the truth?

Strong tight writing in a smooth sometimes melodic manner, Daynard has taken a somewhat tired story frame and imbibed it with a heady, sometimes breathtaking twist as there are more than one "more perfect unions" taking place in this book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best novel of Jody Danfry’s Midwife trilogy. Johnny Watkins, mixed race son of Eliza, the main character in book 2 is most compelling. Set just after the American revolution, Johnny is raised on a Barbados plantation. His coming of age takes him from Boston, to Philadelphia and Washington, interacting with President John Adams, vice president Thomas Jefferson and other historical figures who endeavor to establish the fledgling United States of America. Johnny struggles with his identity, brilliance, naïveté and idealism, education at Harvard and ambition to practice law. There is, of course, a love story as well. Beautifully written, most enjoyable, highly recommended. Daynard is an excellent historian and storyteller.

Since I absolutely love history and good story, I was inspired to watch the HBO series John Adams again as a companion to this wonderful trilogy.