An interesting read that I'm glad to have discovered. I'll definitely be seeking out more by this author.

A timely novel that facilitates critical thinking about the law and power structures, about gender and race. This novel explores the societal ideas of a woman's place, marriage, and politics from the nineteenth century. And more specifically, how society treats those who fight against these norms. A woman's presidential campaign before women have the right to vote is certainly courageous, but the sacrifices to fight for what they believe is a striking example of what resistance can look like, and how long these issues have been fought over.

There are a lot of characters, and would highly recommend reading the dramatis personae at the beginning. I still sometimes found it difficult to follow, as the narrative felt choppy while moving between different perspectives. Not a book I would normally read, but I appreciated the historical moments and stories of these women being brought to light.

"He smiles even as he thinks, I will never book you. You're obviously overeducated whores with an axe to grind and you're the death of any standard. No, I won't book you. Not in a million years."

Every now and again a story will come a long and completely take you by surprise, Naked Truth is the perfect example. The story follows the unique lives of Tenessee Claflin and Victoria Woodhull, two sisters who rise from a criminal past to Presidential nominee. The scandals throughout their lives are shocking and I found myself more than once trying to Google search the truth behind the story, but don't worry, I won't spoil anything...

The care and consideration taken when writing with historical fiction should absolutely be applauded, Hayes has so brilliantly intertwined factual detail with gripping story telling that it is difficult to know where the story starts and the truth ends.

This is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys historical or political literature.

Now to wait for the sequel...

I found this novel very disjointed and confusing. While I enjoyed learning about the sisters it was difficult to figure out who was narrating. I did not enjoy the book at all.