Book Reviewed: Louisa: The extraordinary life of Mrs. Adams, by Louisa Thomas

An intimate portrait of the First Lady Louisa Adams

This is an excellent biography of the First Lady Louisa Adams, the wife of the sixth President, John Quincy Adams (1825-1829). Born and raised in England, she was the only First Lady to have been born outside of the United States, and came to this country four years after her marriage to John Quincy Adams.

This book chronicles her role as the daughter-in-law of President John Adams and later plays a significant role in the career of her husband John Quincy Adams. His career as a diplomat, a Senator, member of the House of Representatives and the President was strongly supported by Louisa Adams not only as his wife but also as a friend and a loyal supporter. His mission to formulate the American foreign-policy of self-determination, independence, non-colonization, and noninvolvement in European politics got Louisa Adams travel around Europe and United States quite extensively. Peace negotiations called John Adams to Ghent, Belgium in 1814. Louisa Adams went on a 40-day journey across war-ravaged Europe in winter. She faced roving bands of wanderers that filled her thought, and her young son was traumatized by the war and desperation. Author Louisa Thomas provides in-depth details into the private life of Louisa Adams and her personal sacrifice to keep the Adams family sane.

Her pleasure of moving to the White House in 1825 was short-lived by the bitter politics and by her ill- health. She suffered from depression. She spent quiet evenings, reading, composing music and playing her harp. For years she struggled with her divided loyalties about the question of slavery. Her abstract sense of the injustice of slavery, and her husband’s opposition to slavery on one side; her sister’s, relatives and friends support for slavery on the other caused confusion and anxiety. She also had to deal with own her prejudices against blacks, but opposed slavery in principle. She read and re-read Bible to find explanations to oppose slavery, but also vulnerable about fears of black uprising, possible violence and making political enemies in the U.S. Her husband John Quincy Adams spoke publicly against slavery and emerged as a key abolitionist. He withstood the attacks by the pro-slavery factions and southerners but remained steadfast and resilient in his beliefs.

Louisa left behind a trove of journals, essays, letters, and other writings. She was a shrewd eyewitness to pivotal moments in the nation's formative years and shed light on the career of John Quincy Adams and his contemporaries. Author Louisa Thompson’s narratives of the historical moments are captivating. I found the book very engrossing and immensely educational. I recommend this book to readers interested in American history.