Books like Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule by Jennifer Chiaverini
In the tumultuous years surrounding the Civil War, Jennifer Chiaverini paints a nuanced portrait of Julia Dent Grant, the woman who would become the First Lady, and her enslaved friend Jule. Together, they navigate the shifting politics of war, the personal demands of marriage, and the changing status of women and black individuals. As Julia travels with her husband and children, she also recounts the secret life and prophetic sight of Jule, whose eventual emancipation turns her into a businesswoman and community leader dubbed Madame Jule. The novel traces their intertwined journeys from Missouri to Washington, DC, and finally to New York City, offering a rare look at one of history’s most intriguing interpersonal dynamics.
First publish date: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction/19th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: Jennifer Chiaverini
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