Let Us March on - by Shara Moon (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Shara Moon's debut LET US MARCH ON is a story about a quiet woman who used her voice in a big way: to influence the most powerful man in the country. Moon guides us through a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the FDR White House through the eyes of housekeeper Elizabeth McDuffie. Spanning from the 1906 Atlanta Race Riot to that sad day in April 1945 in Warm Springs, Georgia that changed everything, this is a story of a woman's resilience and compassion that readers will find hard to put down."

"Let Us March On is an immersive, elegantly crafted novel that brings to life an unforgettable American hero, Lizzie McDuffie, and her commitment to social justice and the early civil rights movement. Moon's storytelling will engage, delight, and educate readers about a unique woman and the significance of her contributions to Black American history. Inspired by actual events, Let Us March On is a must-read." - Denny S. Bryce, Bestselling Author of The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander and The Other Princess

"Let Us March On is a wonderful debut about Lizzie McDuffie, a woman whose passion and strength shine throughout the novel. A true warrior, she uses her position as personal maid to FDR to advocate for the Civil Rights movement. Shara Moon delivers a moving story that is both beautifully told and powerful." - Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Booklover's Library

"LET US MARCH ON highlights the remarkable, true story of Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDuffie, a domestic servant in the White House during FDR's presidency. Although initially his maid, Lizzie soon becomes FDR's friend and trusted advisor, shining a light on the terrible injustices facing Black Americans. Moon paints an engaging portrait of a courageous woman who used her unique influence to smooth the path toward civil rights. A gem of a book!" - Elizabeth Langston, author of Once You Were Mine

"In Let us March On, Moon introduces readers to an unsung American hero, Lizzie McDuffie. Written from her perspective, we are invited into an intimate portrait of Lizzie's life, love, mission, and activism as she becomes one of FDR's most trusted advocates and a courageous voice for the civil rights movement of her time. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, I highly recommend!" - Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The Berlin Letters

"This is a fascinating story that successfully introduces the reader to one of the unsung heroes of American civil-rights history." - Booklist

"Moon's storytelling masterfully brings to life Elizabeth McDuffie's challenges and achievements within a world struggling with racism and hate, as well as her personal fears and frustrations with the sluggish tides of change. Let Us March On is an amazing read that will leave you with a desire to know more about this remarkable woman." - Monica Kilgore, author of Long Gone, Come Home

"Let Us March On is a stellar example of returning a forgotten, unsung heroine to us in bold strokes. The engaging narrative will have you turning pages to figure out how Lizzie McDuffie, a White House maid, became a Civil Rights crusader, one who boldly proclaimed herself FDR's "Secretary-On-Colored-People's-Affairs". This compelling novel, framed by the epistolary style using powerful, intimate correspondence, invites readers to discover Lizzie, her journey, and her pivotal role in history." - Vanessa Riley, Award-winning Author of Island Queen and Sister Mother Warrior

"Let Us March On is a moving and poignant novel that brings to life the people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during the multiple terms of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and also the deep friendships developed. Not only does Moon shed light on very important relationships FDR had with Lizzie, his self-appointed "Secretary-On-Colored-People's-Affairs," and her husband Mac, the best valet and companion FDR ever had, but more importantly, the struggles to make the president and his cabinet aware of the needs of the people and Civil Rights movement that the president was keen to fight for." - Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS

"LET US MARCH ON is a heartfelt glimpse into life below stairs in FDR's White House, told from the unique vantage-point of his personal maid, whose friendship with the forward-thinking president placed her in a position of real influence to advance the cause of Black Americans. With vivid historical detail and memorable cameos, Moon deftly portrays Lizzie McDuffie's transformation from maid to advocate, capturing the voices of the burgeoning civil rights movement and those working behind the scenes to make change. An inspiring and uplifting must-read!" - Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Shara Moon bursts onto the historical fiction scene with the tale of Lizzie McDuffie, who finds herself a position as White House maid through four Roosevelt presidential terms when her husband becomes FDR's personal valet...Lizzie fearlessly advises the President as his self-appointed Secretary On Colored People's Affairs, forever asking herself "Am I doing enough? Can I do more?" A quietly compelling portrait of a woman in the shadows, at last stepping into the light. LET US MARCH ON is a story that will linger long in the memory!"

"Wonderfully crafted, Let Us March On transports us to the FDR White House in this engaging portrayal of the remarkable Lizzie McDuffie, maid and confidante to President Roosevelt. Her love for her President, her husband, and her determination to be a voice for those who had no voice earn her a well-deserved place in our history and in our hearts."