Point of View

Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell their novel America’s First Daughter from the first-person, reflective point of view of the main character and principal protagonist, Patsy Jefferson. As Patsy Jefferson was so instrumental in the protection and establishment of the reputation of her father, Thomas Jefferson, she can be considered an unsung hero in the story not only of Jefferson, but in America’s founding. For this reason, the authors allow Patsy to narrate, in first-person, her own story so that it can be told in a full and accurate way. Readers witness firsthand her struggles, triumphs, joy, and pain as events swirl around her. Much of the dialogue comes directly from the letters that Patsy, her father, and others wrote at the time when the novel takes place. Therefore, readers are given a firsthand glimpse into Patsy’s life and thoughts through the...