Review: "Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams" by Louisa Thomas

Louisa Catherine Adams lived an extraordinary existence and Louisa Thomas has brought her accomplishments and tribulations to life in this amazing biography! Louisa Adams was the wife of John Quincy Adams who was president from 1825-1829. She had a lifetime of doubts mainly about herself, starting with the fact that she was not born in America and had to live down the claim that she was not an American. She questioned her worth as a mate and mother. Throughout her lifetime, her health was fragile. Through it all, she persevered and was strong when needed. She was the very personable and offset John’s off-putting mannerisms. She furthered his career in both his diplomatic status and in winning the presidency. She suffered devastating losses in her family but managed to continue on and ended her life much admired and loved.

This story is told in chronological format starting with Louisa’s life in London, Berlin, Russia and then in the United States. It contains many thoughts that were contained in her letters and diaries. It brings to life her doubts in both herself and her marriage. It shows her frustrations at times not being consulted in life altering events. The author does not sugar coat the facts to show either Louisa or John in a more flattering fashion. You are given a sense of their real life and their thought processes.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in one of the First Ladies during the 1800’s. It gives a sense of what the life of a career politician and his wife entailed. She had a real impact on helping him to become the president and the man that he was. Since I don’t review a lot of nonfiction, I don’t want someone to pick this up expecting a novel. Although it is excellent, it isn’t an easy read.

I requested and received this book for review from Net Galley.