Lauren Ducommun

Book Review:
Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie Bober
Simon Pulse, 1998

“Who of us pass through the world with our paths strewn with flowers, without encountering the thorns.”

This is a wonderful biography of a remarkable woman. Abigail was born in Massachusetts in 1744 and eventually married John Adams. Fun fact: she is one of two women who was married to a president, and later a mother to a president.

I loved watching her and John’s relationship unfold, and how much he treasured her as a partner in his work as a lawyer, ambassador, vice-president and president. She managed their farm and finances while he was away—sometimes for over a year at a time. Abigail experienced the American Revolution firsthand, and even watched a battle from near her home.

Her life was full of joy, but also suffering. She grieved the loss of four children and several grandchildren. She endured smallpox epidemics and malaria, the joys and hardships of marriage, and the sweetness and heartbreak of raising children.

Even throughout all of this she wrote, “Shall I receive good and not evil? I will not forget the blessings which sweeten life.”

It was incredible to see what her and her husband gave up for duty and for their country. She told her husband, “I hope the public will reap what I sacrifice.” She also believed the importance of women’s education and that women also have a unique opportunity to influence the world by raising good citizens.

It is because of lives and work of people like Abigail and others, that we get to celebrate our country’s independence this week.

“Difficult as the Day is, cruel as this War has been, separated as I am on account of it from the dearest connection in life. I would not exchange my Country for the Wealth of the Indies, or any other than an American tho I might be Queen or Empress of any Nation upon the Globe.” —Abigail Adams