Review: Louisa The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams

Louisa

The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams

Louisa Thomas

This is a fascinating biography of Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of President John Quincy Adams. It follows her life from her earliest years in London, where she was born to an American father and British mother to her marriage to John Quincy Adams and their travels and adventures together across Europe and back to the U.S. where John Q. Adams would become President. From London, in 1797 they headed to Prussia where John Quincy was to represent the new nation at the court in Berlin. In 1801 Louisa made her first visit to the United States but, by 1809 they were on their way to Russia where John Quincy was to be the new minister plenipotentiary for the next several years. They eventually returned to the United States in 1817 where they continued their life in the forefront of political events, during John Quincy's term as Secretary of State and as President of the nation.

This book, which makes use of her diaries and writing throughout the years, gives an intimate glance into the life of a unique women, her family, and the interesting times in which she lived. Extensive and well written, it's a must for anyone interested in both the history of the United States and the often forgotten role of women within it.

Thanks to Penguin Press for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.