The Others at Monticello- Volume II
by
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About the Book
Sacramento Area Publishers/Authors Annual—Vol. I—Historical Fiction and Overall Gold, 2004
Online Review of Books—Best of the Year, 2004
Writers Notes Magazine—Vol. II—Legacy—Notable 2005
For years, Esther Franklin has researched life at Monticello, celebrated home of Thomas Jefferson and its band of caretakers, many of whom were slaves. It is in Jefferson's close slave relations-which have been all but verified by historians-where the majority of this sophisticated story resides. Continuing from the first book, the Hemmings travel to Washington D.C. in the postwar days of 1815. Portions of the young capitol have been razed. The period detail and backdoor conversations with associates of key historical figures make this an informative and engrossing read. In her bio, Franklin hopes that her book honors the times and the unrecorded lives of those in the past. We say, "yes."
- Writers Notes Magazine "Book Editor" (www.WritersNotes.com)
The Others At Monticello, volume II continues the historical fiction saga of volume I in chronicling the relationships between Thomas Jefferson and his slaves, particularly Sally Hemings and her offspring. The wealth of meticulous research drawn from Jefferson's own libraries show through in this novel that strives to illuminate the connections that make human beings human inspite of the overwhelming barriers of cultural attitudes and perceptions. A believeable story all the way through.
- Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
What do you know about the “others” who lived at Monticello? How would it have felt to be part of the Hemings family, wondering about your physical features and why you were treated differently from many other slaves? Volumes of history and biography have recorded Thomas Jefferson’s life and works. Countless persons have visited his unique home, heard of his daughters, their children. Numerous scholars understand the importance of his huge collection of books. More people are learning about his second home, the Natural Bridge, and the Peaks of Otter. Many know of his slave, Sally Hemings, and recently about her descendants; few are aware of her parentage. Nor have many been informed of the contributions of her brother, John Hemings - his great talent as an artisan in wood. Virginia law decreed that slaves should not learn to read and write, yet there is tangible evidence they did. Would Sally have taught her children these skills - the French she had learned in Paris? Could one son, Beverly, have explored many of his Master’s books and ultimately aspired to work at the growing Library of Congress?
About the Author
The author first became interested in Thomas Jefferson’s personal library while teaching courses in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Washington. She has spent over ten years researching and writing this novel, including living three years in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her hope is that it will be of special interest to individuals of mixed heritage - not the least those who have grown up without a father who acknowledges them. The story honors the “others” not recorded in history books, whose daily work has helped the famous achieve their recognition.