“Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers” by Barbara Hambly (Revisited)

Back in 2013, I reviewed Barbara Hambly’s novel “Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers.” In the story, it alternated between Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison…and Sally Hemings. It is a historical romance and this is what I wrote in regards to the Sally/Thomas Jefferson romance:

The place where Ms. Hambly took the most artistic license was with Sally Hemings. As Ms. Hambly notes, we don’t know much about her relationship with Thomas Jefferson. So she had to imagine it. And I think she did a good job. We see Sally go from young romantic girl to a woman making the best of her situation, which is loving a man who society won’t let love her back. And who doesn’t realize how unfair it is for her.

Yeah, I cringed when I went back to reread that review. 2013 me certainly had a lot to learn…or rather a lot to finally come to terms with. 2020 me probably still has just as much to learn and to reconcile as well, so I’m trying to be forgiving to 2013 me.

But I do think I need to revisit that particular part of the review now that 2020 me has grown and learned much more than 2013 me.

Rewind: "Sorry Not Sorry" by Naya Rivera

I think in light of what happened this week, I want to spotlight my review of Naya Rivera's memoir, Sorry Not Sorry.

In it, she looked back at her time as a child actor as well as being on Glee, which had just recently ended when the book was published in 2016. She touched upon past relationships and discussed some past decisions she made, both good and bad. Naya reflected on how all of those decisions and events made her the person she was at the time of the book. 

And I'm sorry we won't ever get a follow up from her. 

Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts/prayers/whatever you prefer as they go through this difficult time.