Official Review: Former First Lady by Ebony Edwards-Ellis

[Frannie Annie]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Former First Lady" by Ebony Edwards-Ellis.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Former First Lady by Ebony Edwards-Ellis is about a fiercely independent woman named Shelley who never seems to catch a break in life. When she meets Barry for the first time, she is barely keeping a roof over her head and food on the table as a writer but is proud of what she's doing. Barry, on the other hand, is from a rich family and sees no value in a career if there are no assets to show for it. Although they share common ground in wanting a family and being involved with politics, they have conflicting values that clash time and time again.

For decades Shelley manages to juggle her career, two children, nearly all the housework, and her husband's campaigns as his political career takes off. She never wanted to be a president's wife but tries to make the best of it when Barry announces he will be running with or without her approval.

What drew me in immediately was Shelley's snappy dialogue as the story begins with her breaking the news to her husband that she wants a divorce. It is clear that Barry isn't the most rational person, and Shelley is fed up with everything he has put her through. Her down to earth way of speaking is what I liked most about the book.

What I disliked the most was the demeaning way Barry treats Shelley for most of the book. It was funny and refreshing in the beginning when Shelley had a smart comeback for everything that came out of his mouth. However, watching him drag Shelley around on political campaigns she wanted no part in, brush off her concerns about the Secret Service, and belittle her writing career when arguing eventually wore me down. I have no idea why she later yearned for him as the book cover said.

I also didn't like reading about the political races that didn't involve Barry. I find these to be boring and got the impression that they were meant to be more suspenseful than they actually were. Reading about Barry's race from Shelley's point of view got me emotionally invested again because it was personal to her.

I will say that issues aside, this is a well-written novel. I think it deserves a 4 out of 4 stars. I found a few errors that didn't affect my reading experience. This is a good story, but it's not a happy one. I recommend it for anyone who wants to read about a woman who faces adversity around every corner.

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Former First Lady
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[Elvis Best]

The title of the novel is attractive and I love reading books about women but this novel sounds like it has an unhappy ending. Thanks for the heads up and great review btw

[JKO]

I can only imagine how bad Barry treated Shelley. I'd really love to see how snappy Shelley's dialogue was and how the whole story turns out. Thanks for the review.

[Phelicia Gloria]

This seem to be a great book, I would like to know how Shelly managed the multitask. Thanks for the great review.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

It has been said that there is a strong woman behind every successful man. Sounds like this might be true in the life of Shelley and Barry. I think that women also often pay the price for their husbands becoming successful. This book sounds like an interesting read, thanks for introducing it to us!

[Chimdi_3]

Great review.Just from reading the beginning of the review about the couple's values that frequently clash,I knew their marriage won't be an easy one.This is an interesting book.

[Edwin Amah]

Sounds interesting even though according to the review the story has little or no suspense. I think a book as this should be more thrilling than it is. Also a lesson not to hold down a woman that love her passion, you should only support her. I love the fight back Shelley gave.

[MichaelM29]

The tittle of the books is something out of this world which makes one to like read the book though it seems like it does not have a happy ending

[Beesolah Ash]

Nice review, seem like it does not have a happy ending, but nevertheless, you did well.

[Munachimso_Nwaogazie]

I just hope Shelly didn't completely relegate her passion to the background just to occupy another's. I hope she got back on track.
I'm certain that this will be an interesting book.

[Maxwil1]

It's a nice book and I like to read the political involvement of woman in this career type. But what keeps me wandering is the indifferent Shelley was in the support of her husband which brought the subject of divorce in the process.
I would like to see a point where the husband Barry would come and beg Shelley to be his pillar in order to win the election.
I like the book it's great

[Nkwetsimo]

The title of the book is really great ,it grabbed my full attention. It's also a good story but the ending doesn't seem as a happy one...I'm also curious to know how Shelley manages to do all the tasks...
Great book review...

[LinaJan]

I must say that I am surprised at myself that now, having read your thorough and informative review, I may pick up this book, even though it wouldn't usually be my go-to genre. As well as I am curious to see if I could relate to her yearning for him even after everything that he has put her through.

Thank you!

[Melisa Jane]

I'm sure the life of Shelley will inspire several ladies into being independent. Nice review.

[Mutai Marshal]

Am quite entangled in politics. I guess this one fits me as well.

Great review!