The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family
The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family
Book Brief
BetaThe Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 18th-21st centuries
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family, Bettye Kearse explores her family's lineage as descendants of President James Madison and an enslaved woman. The book traces her ancestors' resilience and contributions, uncovering a hidden narrative within American history through personal anecdotes, historical context, and genealogical research.
Informative
Mysterious
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
1,560 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Other Madisons by Bettye Kearse receives praise for its compelling exploration of family lineage and resilience, blending memoir and history. Critics commend Kearse's narrative style and emotional depth. However, some find the shifts in narrative focus a bit disorienting. Overall, it is a well-regarded contribution to African American history and personal legacy exploration.
Who Should Read The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family?
Readers who enjoy The Other Madisons would be intrigued by African American history, genealogy, and personal narratives on legacy and identity. Fans of The Hemingses of Monticello and Roots will appreciate its deep exploration of family heritage linked to American history.
1,560 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bettye Kearse traces her ancestry back to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, exploring her family's lineage that includes both presidents and enslaved people.
The book is inspired by the family mantra “Always remember—you’re a Madison. You come from African slaves and a president.”
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Kearse, a retired pediatrician turned genealogist and writer, took nearly 30 years of research and writing to bring her family's story to light.
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272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 18th-21st centuries
2020
Adult
18+ years
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