The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed

I’ve just finished this book. I’m not sure if you can ever be finished with this book whether you read it or write it.

Annette Gordon-Reed takes us on her journey of discovery and revelation, a labor of love, into another time, and extended family, in another place. I’m grateful to be carried by her work and effort into this family. It must have been emotionally exhausting to go and be with these people, resurrecting them in body and personality, time travel while writing, then describing what you are seeing, feeling, discovering. I can sense the reluctance to leave your own life and go there to be with them, then leave them suspended until you return.

What a gift Gordon-Reed has given us, so many insights. I found my self thinking,

“Yes, of course.”

The author offers us Thomas Jefferson as he must have been, worts, blemishes, and polish. James Hemmings is fleshed out in all his frustration, anger and final tragedy. You hear Bob Hemmings pleading with Jefferson to understand his primary attachment to his wife and children. Martha Randolph takes form. Only Sally Hemmings remains a mystery, a shadow, a ghost. She was expunged from the written record. You can feel her presence, the importance of her role but you don’t see her or hear her voice.

This must have been deliberate on the part of the other family members. It is so sad that they made her into a “non-person.