American Daughters

Huguley’s (By Her Own Design) new book looks at the personal lives of the daughters of Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, from 1901 to 1930. The two women are brought to life as readers watch their personal accomplishments, trials, and tribulations, while each fights to find their place in the world as a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a woman. Although not much is known about their actual interpersonal relationship, Huguley weaves a compelling, intimate portrait of a possible long-term friendship based on two very different individuals. The plot is moved forward entirely by the women: their choices, their thoughts and what is happening in their lives, relegating historical events such as World War I to the background. This focus on the intimate details and actions of two women’s lives makes for a quiet, richly rewarding read.