Erin ’s Reviews > My Thomas > Status Update

Trying, but struggling to understand how Jefferson could be so devoted to such an empty-headed goose...

Martha, April 1774: I should burn this journal!

Me: Every entry opens with dramatics. I'm so bad at journaling, I don't know why I do this, or this ditzy Scarlett O'Hara shtick.

Martha: I had another girl! Why can't I have a boy? Everyone else has one.

Me: Again, you had one. And let's not dwell on the subject of Thomas' Y-chromosome. The claims in this novel suggest my opinions differ from those of your author...

Martha, June 1773: I vow this is the worst year of my life! My father and brother-in-law have died.

Me: Again, you lost a child two years ago.

Martha: And the slave Pappa forced to his bed doesn't grieve! She never loved him!

Me: Just when I thought this book couldn't get worse...

Martha, September 6, 1771: Are married people allowed emotions? Why has the summer been so unkind? I didn't see Thomas once in August.

Me: Seriously?! Not seeing Thomas for a month was the worst of it? Silly me. Here I thought the death of your three year old in June would have topped that list...

Something about enslaved people telling their master's daughter her beau isn’t a suitable partner doesn't sit well with me...