Shara Moon’s Let Us March On brings overdue attention to Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie, a maid in FDR’s White House who quietly advocated for civil rights. Known as the “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” Lizzie acted as a vital bridge between the Black community and the President—an incredible feat for a woman in her position during the 1930s.
Told through Lizzie’s eyes, the story offers an inside look at the Roosevelts and the political landscape of the time. Moon captures Lizzie’s strength and determination, showing how she used her role to push for justice in subtle but powerful ways.
That said, the pacing lags in spots, especially when it gets too bogged down in politics. And while Lizzie’s personal journey is inspiring, I wanted more depth in those emotional moments. Most notably, I wish the author hadn’t embellished and altered so many facts (as noted in her author’s note). The actual story is strong enough without the extra shine.
Still, this is an educational, thoughtful, and well-written novel about an unsung hero. The audio narration is excellent. Lizzie may have worked in the background, but here, she finally gets the spotlight.
Four stars.
** Thanks to Edelweiss and William Morrow for a comp. The opinions are my own.