Book - Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams

Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams

 by Louisa Thomas

"Born in London to an American father and a British mother on the eve of the Revolutionary War, Louisa Catherine Johnson was raised in circumstances very different from the New England upbringing of the future president John Quincy Adams, whose life had been dedicated to public service from the earliest age. ... They lived in Prussia, Massachusetts, Washington, Russia, and England, at royal courts, on farms, in cities, and in the White House."  goodreads.com

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JHT's comments – I highly recommend this book. It's a wonderful insight into the early days of this country and women's often untold contributions to that history. The author feels that John Quincy Adams probably would not have become president of the United States without the help and skills of his wife.

John Quincy Adams held a series of overseas appointments. When approaching people, he often had to explain what the United States of America was. The country was that new.  “He was representing a nation that did not exist in the minds of many. What was worse, the traditional great powers of Europe generally treated the young nation as an annoying child.” (89) Louisa accompanied him to all these assignments. At one point her in-laws, John and Abigail Adams decided Louisa and John Quincy's two young sons should remain with them in Massachusetts instead of going overseas. Louisa suffered numerous miscarriages under what must have been very difficult circumstances. A daughter was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and died a year later. 

Louisa has much to say about women and their roles. She also has a lot to say about politicians. Reading some of her comments, it comes to mind that some things never change. 

Here's an interesting article about America's first foreign born first lady.

Click here for more information from the author's website

See more at goodreads.com