As they say, "based on a true story," this is the story of Lizzie McDuffie who was a maid in the White House during the FDR years. Lizzie struck up an improbable friendship with the President, even becoming his unofficial ambassador to the Black community. Her love of the theatre and acting even led to her stumping for FDR during his second term. The book is told in the first person and I think that's its big flaw. It's more like Lizzie is flatly retelling world events and we don't get to really feel these events for ourselves. That makes it hard to get into the book. But Lizzie sounds like a wonderful person and I'm impressed with what she was able to accomplish. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let us March on is Shana Moon's debut book based on the true historical figures of Lizzie Mcduffie and her husband, Mac, who both served in the White House during the FDR years.
Historically, it is a fascinating read, learning more about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in daily life and the weighty decisions made during the WW II years, the Great Depression, the New deal and civil rights through the eyes of Negro maid in the White House and all the politics is engrossing.. Shana captures both the good done as well as the lack of support around civil rights and how Lizzie stepped in to help. There is friendship, suspense, politics, some violence that was appropriate for the time without being too graphic and throughout it all, the courageous Lizzie becoming an influence for change.
If you are looking for a good historical read during the FDR years from an entirely different perspective, this is it.
It is a solid 3.5 for me, the prose and style were intermittently a bit novice for me.
A big thank you to Shana Moon and William Morrow Paperbacks, it was a privilege to read the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lizzie McDuffie is a primarily self-educated Black woman who lands her job as maid at the White House because her husband is FDR’s valet. This book is an immersion into the Black experience of the time: the Great Depression when lynching was still legal. Lizzie becomes known as the voice of the Black population as she becomes close to both FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt. As the New Deal grows, Lizzie reminds the president to include everyone. Lizzie’s perspective is empathetic and compassionate as she takes in both sides of politics. She sacrifices so much to stay at the White House and be an influence for change. Lizzie’s story is an important one that deserves to be well known.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Paperbacks, and author Shara Moon for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

I've watched numerous series throughout the years about the people who worked behind the scenes at the White House and always found it fascinating. When I saw the promotional blurb for this book, I was eager to read it.

Devoted wife, White House maid, reluctant activist…

A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.

I’m just a college-educated Southerner with a passion for books. My husband says I’m too bold, too sharp, too unrelenting. Others say I helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement of our time. President Roosevelt says I’m too spunky and spirited for my own good.

Who am I?

I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie. 

 And this is my story…

When Lizzie McDuffie, maid to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt, boldly proclaimed herself FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” she became more than just a maid—she became the President’s eyes and ears into the Black community. After joining the White House to work alongside her husband, FDR’s personal valet, Lizzie managed to become completely indispensable to the Roosevelt family. Never shy about pointing out injustices, she advocated for the needs and rights of her fellow African Americans when those in the White House blocked access to the President.

Following the life of Lizzie McDuffie throughout her time in the White House as she championed the rights of everyday Americans and provided access to the most powerful man in the country, Let Us March On looks at the unsung and courageous crusader who is finally getting the recognition she so richly deserves.

I have to say the book is true to its promises. Written in the first-person from Lizzie McDuffie's perspective, it details the twelve-plus years she worked at the White House for the President and Mrs. Roosevelt. She also questions her place in the world as a black woman in a position to have the President's ear. However, politics is never as simple as it seems, and though she regards Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a great man, some of the decisions he makes trouble her.

Lizzie's husband, Irvin "Mac" McDuffie had already been Franklin Delano Roosevelt's private valet for twelve years when Lizzie joined him at the White House and was employed as a maid there. Mac was the same age as the President and also suffered from a malady that would occasionally make it hard to help the President with his extended needs due to polio. Despite the lack of experience with the Roosevelts and the White House, Lizzie worked alongside her husband to care for the President, all while tending to her other duties.

The Great Depression was a time when the country suffered, and Negroes suffered especially badly. The book details how some of the New Deal Programs didn't help them, or how they were often bypassed in favor of helping a white person. Lizzie was in a unique position to have the President's ear. Reporters and members of the NAACP often spoke to her, trying to get information from her or have her whisper in Roosevelt's ear. Lizzie was careful with what she brought to the President, and she had some interesting conversations with him.

The biggest problem I had was that I couldn't tell where the truth ended and the historical fiction began. Lizzie McDuffie did eventually write a memoir which was published in Ebony Magazine. You can find some of it here as well: https://radar.auctr.edu/islandora/object/auc.090%3A9999.01. The electronic edition of the book didn't have any notes to tell me how much was invented by Shara Moon for the sake of the story and how much came right from McDuffie herself.

However, Let Us March On is a fine piece of historical fiction that takes a deep dive into what this era was like to live in. I loved how often Lizzie reflected on how sheltered they were inside the White House from what others were living through at the time, both the Black community and the country at large. It's well balanced between dishing what it was like in the White House during these years to reflecting on the slow-moving quest for social justice. I highly recommend it.

You can also find more information about Irvin "Mac" McDuffie and Lizzie McDuffie

Thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for an advanced reader copy of Let us March On by Shara Moon.

Lizzie McDuffie and her husband Mac worked in the FDR White House, as a maid and valet to the President. Before reading this book, I didn’t know anything about her, and this book was a great introduction. After finishing, I found myself looking up more information about her. Lizzie worked as a maid, but she was also FDR’s connection to the black community and she was a reluctant activist for civil rights.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a little repetitive at times, but it introduced me to a woman that I am intrigued to learn more about. It was an interesting historical fiction novel, and I felt that it was well written based on historical facts.

#LetUsMarchOn #netgalley #arc #historicalfictionbooks #bookworm #historynerd

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow Paperbacks and Shara Moon for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Let Us March On.
This is a heart warming debut historical fiction novel about the relationship of a US President and First Lady and their African American maid and valet who are married to each other. The characters are well developed and provide a rounded perspective as to what life was like in the 1930’s and 1940’s. They show a great deal of emotion and I became totally immersed into the storyline from the first page. I felt like was I with the characters as the action unfolded.
Lots of ups and downs, mistakes made but also many successes which made the story believable and optimistic. I learned a lot about the time period from multiple perspectives which was quite enlightening. Not at all one sided or good against evil. More a let’s work together and be the best we can be. Our government needs a few of these simple lessons for the upcoming years. I would love to read more from this author and am anxious to see what’s next.

Oh my!
President Roosevelt has done lots of wonderful things for the American people. I wish we had more presidents like him who really are for the people.
He made my heart sad though when he passed away. I did cry then. I felt like he became a friend as I read on. I'm so glad that I decided to grab this wonderful book and finish it. I honestly didn't think that I'd like it as much as I did. I almost didn't finish it.
This tale of FDR is a page turner for sure and certain.
I loved that Lizzie's told her story through her own point of view. It made me love getting to know Lizzie Mcduffie that much better.
She's hands down a stalwart and bold character that captured my heart from the beginning of this story.
I did think a few things were a little over descriptiv ( describing events, places, and people), otherwise, I really appreciated the historical events in this book. Some I knew nothing about, but others like the Civil Rights movement and the bombing of Pearl Harbor I did.
5 stars from me despite what I mentioned earlier.
For keeping me engaged all the way through.
Lizzie definitely has quite the story to tell! Very interesting and what a journey!
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review All opinions expressed are mine.

This was an interesting historical fiction read inspired by the life of Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie, a maid in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House who became an influential figure in the Civil Rights movement. I have read several historical fiction books on this time period but this was a first learning about Lizzie, her husband Mac, and the impact Lizzie had on the time period. I felt myself googling her after finishing this book to learn more about Lizzie and the life that she had lived. Lizzie was someone who pushed boundaries, was courageous and strong, and someone who did so much for FDR's presidency that many probably did not know about. Solid read. Will absolutely be recommending it to others if not to learn about Lizzie and the impact she had on the Civil Rights Movement.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for an advanced copy of Let Us March On. It was wonderful to learn of the incredible story of Lizzie McDuffie who became a civil rights crusader during the FDR administration. Lizzie begins her career in the White House as a maid to Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt. She becomes a confident to the Roosevelts on the needs of the African American population who do not have access to the White House during that time. It was also interesting to learn of Mr. McDuffie, who was FDR''s valet, and the personal interaction between the two. A very inspiring story of a woman who deserves much recognition for her role in the civil rights movement. Thank you to Shara Moon for bringing her story to life.

This was a fascinating book about Lizzie McDuffie. At first, she started as a maid to the Roosevelt family in the White House. She soon became so much more-both to FDR and the black community. She became FDR's connection to the black community. She was known as the "Secretary-On-Colored-Peoples-Affairs." This story was very well-written-I zipped right through it. I could tell the author did her research. I had never heard of Lizzie so I am glad I got to learn so much about a fascinating figure in history. Highly recommend!

Thank you net galley for this advance reader copy. I enjoyed the book and appreciated all the tid bits I learned. I did think there was a bit of repetitive writing style but overall a great read about Msc and Duffie and FDR

Could not put it down! Read cover to cover in just 1 day. If you are a historical fiction fan especially of the time period of equal rights you won’t regret reading g this!

An In-Depth Look at a Hidden Figure in the White House

I am always excited to read books, fiction or non, that dive into the life of a little-known figure. Over the last couple of years, I have read a couple different books by workers within the White House in the mid-20th century. Having quite a bit of background knowledge made Let Us March On enjoyable as I was able to make connections. I would recommend Moon’s inaugural work to a young adult audience interested in history. The telling of the life of Lizzie McDuffie and her husband as they worked in the White House during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration prominently featured the impact of the Great Depression and pervasive racism of the 1930s and 1940s. Several important historical developments and themes were woven throughout the narrative. I thought there were some missed opportunities to include the complex relationship between FDR and Eleanor and their partners. Additionally, the struggles of Lizzie’s husband seemed outsized for the scope of the book and several comments about the size/appearance of some characters felt unnecessary to me.

I am grateful to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Shara Moon’s Let Us March On.

“Let Us March On” is an historical fiction novel inspired by the life of Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie, a maid in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House who became an influential figure in the Civil Rights movement. Lizzie's husband, Mac, was FDR's personal valet prior to and during his presidency. Because of this relationship, Lizzie was able to work in the White House as a maid and eventually became close to FDR.. He recognized Lizzie's strong spirit and passionate resolve to improve the lives of African Americans. Because of this, he enlisted her to travel the country to campaign for him. She became a strong activist and voice for African Americans and even boldly proclaimed herself as FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs.” While I enjoyed this book, there was something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I have read a great number of books about this time period and have always been fascinated with both Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt. This was a good read and quite interesting but felt somewhat unfulfilled once I finished it.

Let Us March On is a deeply moving story of Lizzie McDuffie, a highly influential maid and treasured friend to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Shara Moon brought Duffie, previously unknown to me, to life in a way that made me wish I’d known such a fun-loving, outspoken, spirited thinker and activist. In a time when it might have been easier to give up all hope for the plight of the African American people, Duffie stubbornly insists on continually advocating and advancing the stories of her community before the president.

Her story picks up as FDR is elected for his first term; as her husband Mac is his trusted valet, she moves into the White House and applies for a role as one of the women on the serving staff to be near her husband. Circumstances present themselves, and soon, she finds herself promoted from “third floor maid” to the personal maid for the President, and she uses the privilege of having the president’s ear to candidly report the plight of the African American citizen. I am not doing this book justice. It’s absolutely fantastic and I wish I knew her. Shara Moon is masterful in bringing Lizzie to life with all the nuance and complexities concerns and fears as she passionately pled her case before the leader of the free world.

People will call FDR a person who was larger than life, but he was not the only force larger than life in the White House during his presidency; Lizzie McDuffie was a voice who refused to be silent and an inspiration to every American. This story is incredible and a must read.

I’d like to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars
Kudos to Shara Moon for bringing to light the life and contributions of the courageous Elizabeth McDuffie, unofficial confidante to President FDR about African American affairs.

The heroine is very much reluctantly thrust into this role, and the author did a great job at relaying her feelings - the sense of responsibility and helplessness, triumph at small wins, frustration at FDR's intractability, and the horror and crushing defeat at realizing that her family isn't safe outside of the White House's protective environment.

The only critique I have is that the book could have used tighter editing.

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for the eARC. All opinions my own!

3.5 stars
Fascinating historical fiction about the woman who worked in FDR’s White House not only as a maid, but as a friend to the President and First Lady. Lizzie and her husband, who was FDR’s personal valet, were there and were a vital part of his entire presidency, including the term he never got to finish…

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I love learning so much! It has been a long time since I learned about a person/people that I've never heard of before! I'm so grateful that I was given a chance to read this book! How is it possible that I've never heard about Elizabeth McDuffie?! I'm inclined to blame racism. Too many black people and black women, especially, are overlooked. I was so compelled by this story and couldn't stop reading once I picked it up. The book was very well written and gave excellent insight to what it must have been like to work in the White House. Something I've never bothered to think about before. By the end of the book, I was grieving a president that I have never given too much thought to. I didn't realize FDR died fairly young. I got choked up at the end! My hope is that this books gains a lot of traction and brings the story of the McDuffie's to the world! They deserve nothing less.

Let Us March by Shara Moon is a wonderful historical fiction based off of a true trailblazer, Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie. I really enjoyed this one.

THis is such a great HF. I shamefully did not recognize the name Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie or all that she represents.
Not only did I learn so much about this courageous, strong, passionate, and fascinating woman that helped create awareness and pushed the boundaries during the FDR presidency concerning Civil Rights, but I also really enjoyed myself in the process.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/4/25.

This book about an overlooked hero from the FDR era captivated me with its strong female protagonist and the rich historical context that informs and educates. The narrative is skillfully crafted, making it a compelling read. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to explore this remarkable story.