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Those Who Love
A biographical novel of John Adams, as told from the perspective of his wife, Abigail Adams.
672 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1965
About the author
Irving Stone
152 books1,313 followersIn 1923, Stone received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, Stone received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Southern California, where he had previously earned a Masters Degree from the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
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March 13, 2022
Those who love; A Biographical Novel of Abigail and John Adams, Irving Stone
Those Who Love is a biographical novel of John Adams, as told from the perspective of his wife, Abigail Adams. It was written by American author Irving Stone. The true story of Abigail Smith and John Adams, who met and loved and married and became leading protagonists in events which were to change the whole concept of the Western world.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «آنها که دوست دارند»؛ «آنان که دوست دارند»؛ نویسنده: ایروینگ استون؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: ماه جولای سال2008میلادی
عنوان: آنها که دوست دارند؛ نویسنده: ایروینگ استون؛ مترجم: فریدون گیلانی؛ تهران، اساطیر، سال1366؛ در چهار جلد؛ در1770صفحه؛ چاپ چهارم سال1372؛ چاپ پنجم سال1379؛ موضوع داستان جان آدامز از سال1735میلادی تا سال1826میلادی و ابیگل آدامز - از سال1744میلادی تا سال1818میلادی - سده20م
کتاب چهار جلدی «آنها که دوست دارند» داستان زندگی «جان آدامز» و جنگهای استقلال «ایالات متحده آمریکا» است؛ سده ی هجدهم میلادی، آنگاه که بخش گسترده ای از جهان، چراگاه سلطه گران کهن بود؛ «مستعمره (کشوری که زیر فرمان کشوری دیگر است) نشینهای آمريکایی» که در اصل اهل «انگلستان» هستند، در پی نان و آب و زمین و ثروت، به دنیای تازه کوچ کرده اند، و در مرحله پس از استخوانبندیهای نخستین، به فکر آزادی و خودمختاری میافتند و به اعتراض و نبرد میپردازند
نقل از متن: (شلیک توپها، مثل بادی، زود رویای زندگی آرام، و بازنشستگی را پراکنده کرد؛ سفر هشت هفته ای شان در اقیانوس، بی هیچ حادثه ای به انجام رسید؛ عبور آرام، زایمان «ایستر» را آسانتر میکرد، و تو گفتی به همین دلیل، واقعه ای پیش نیامد؛ حالا بر عرشه ی کشتی ایستاده بودند، به تماشای ساحل، که هر آن نزدیکتر میشد؛ پس از هشت سال، با دیدن نمای «ماساچوست» مجبوب؛ «جان آدامز» احساس غربت زدگی میکرد؛ «بیگل» هم، که چهار سال از وطنش دور مانده بود، از فکر دیدار دوباره ی پسرانش، دچار چنان هیجانی شده بود، که نمیتوانست جلوی بروزش را بگیرد...؛)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 25/10/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 21/12/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Those Who Love is a biographical novel of John Adams, as told from the perspective of his wife, Abigail Adams. It was written by American author Irving Stone. The true story of Abigail Smith and John Adams, who met and loved and married and became leading protagonists in events which were to change the whole concept of the Western world.
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «آنها که دوست دارند»؛ «آنان که دوست دارند»؛ نویسنده: ایروینگ استون؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: ماه جولای سال2008میلادی
عنوان: آنها که دوست دارند؛ نویسنده: ایروینگ استون؛ مترجم: فریدون گیلانی؛ تهران، اساطیر، سال1366؛ در چهار جلد؛ در1770صفحه؛ چاپ چهارم سال1372؛ چاپ پنجم سال1379؛ موضوع داستان جان آدامز از سال1735میلادی تا سال1826میلادی و ابیگل آدامز - از سال1744میلادی تا سال1818میلادی - سده20م
کتاب چهار جلدی «آنها که دوست دارند» داستان زندگی «جان آدامز» و جنگهای استقلال «ایالات متحده آمریکا» است؛ سده ی هجدهم میلادی، آنگاه که بخش گسترده ای از جهان، چراگاه سلطه گران کهن بود؛ «مستعمره (کشوری که زیر فرمان کشوری دیگر است) نشینهای آمريکایی» که در اصل اهل «انگلستان» هستند، در پی نان و آب و زمین و ثروت، به دنیای تازه کوچ کرده اند، و در مرحله پس از استخوانبندیهای نخستین، به فکر آزادی و خودمختاری میافتند و به اعتراض و نبرد میپردازند
نقل از متن: (شلیک توپها، مثل بادی، زود رویای زندگی آرام، و بازنشستگی را پراکنده کرد؛ سفر هشت هفته ای شان در اقیانوس، بی هیچ حادثه ای به انجام رسید؛ عبور آرام، زایمان «ایستر» را آسانتر میکرد، و تو گفتی به همین دلیل، واقعه ای پیش نیامد؛ حالا بر عرشه ی کشتی ایستاده بودند، به تماشای ساحل، که هر آن نزدیکتر میشد؛ پس از هشت سال، با دیدن نمای «ماساچوست» مجبوب؛ «جان آدامز» احساس غربت زدگی میکرد؛ «بیگل» هم، که چهار سال از وطنش دور مانده بود، از فکر دیدار دوباره ی پسرانش، دچار چنان هیجانی شده بود، که نمیتوانست جلوی بروزش را بگیرد...؛)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 25/10/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 21/12/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
August 26, 2012
Due to the fact that I have been writing more than reading this summer, I have to admit that I made a poor choice when I picked this book for my summer read. This was due to the size and slow pace of this historical fiction novel about John & Abigail Adams.
First published in 1965, it is quickly evident that the book and its subject matter were thoroughly researched by the author, Irving Stone. My main complaint is where the author chose to focus his attention. This book is quite long...nearly 650 pages. It is not a quick or easy read. While I give credit to Stone for staying as true to the style of the language of the day, I could have done with less description. By the end of the story, I was almost glad John Adams didn't win his second term as I did not wish to devote any more time to Stone's story.
I've read quite a bit on John and Abigail Adams through the years. They were, indeed, very much in love and very much a part of the making of their country's history during their lives. But, for me, the real John and Abigail Adams were missing from this book. I found Stone's characterization to be too one dimensional. I didn't read about the controlling, irritating side of John Adams. Stone's John Adams, I imagine, is more likeable than the historical one. I also didn't read about the fiercely outspoken, almost possessively protective Abigail. Stone's Abigail was much more soft spoken than her surviving letters to her husband and Thomas Jefferson suggest of the historical figure I've always imagined her to be.
One of the biggest disappointments in the book was, what I perceived as the glossing over of the two greatest occurrences of John Adams' Presidential administration...The XYZ Affair and especially The Alien And Sedition Acts -- the latter of which still serves as a stain on Adams' otherwise impeccable political character and most certainly led to him not gaining a second term. I felt Stone spent more time explaining the styles of furnishings and types of clothes the Adamses favored instead of matters of greater import.
To gain a more thorough and readable understanding of these otherwise fascinating historical figures, I'd suggest reading David McCullough's magnificent "John Adams" or Cokie Roberts, "Founding Mothers". It's a shame that this book, in my opinion, was a waste of time. I would have been better served reading Joseph Ellis' telling of the Adams' story in his book, "First Family"...a book I planned to have read, but will now need to be put on hold. "Those Who Love" has effectively led me to need a break from John & Abigail Adams as well as from the time period in which they lived. This is an unfortunate consequence of having read Irving Stone's book, because from what I've read previously about John & Abigail Adams, they deserved a book to be more worthy of who they really were. FINISHED 8-25-12
First published in 1965, it is quickly evident that the book and its subject matter were thoroughly researched by the author, Irving Stone. My main complaint is where the author chose to focus his attention. This book is quite long...nearly 650 pages. It is not a quick or easy read. While I give credit to Stone for staying as true to the style of the language of the day, I could have done with less description. By the end of the story, I was almost glad John Adams didn't win his second term as I did not wish to devote any more time to Stone's story.
I've read quite a bit on John and Abigail Adams through the years. They were, indeed, very much in love and very much a part of the making of their country's history during their lives. But, for me, the real John and Abigail Adams were missing from this book. I found Stone's characterization to be too one dimensional. I didn't read about the controlling, irritating side of John Adams. Stone's John Adams, I imagine, is more likeable than the historical one. I also didn't read about the fiercely outspoken, almost possessively protective Abigail. Stone's Abigail was much more soft spoken than her surviving letters to her husband and Thomas Jefferson suggest of the historical figure I've always imagined her to be.
One of the biggest disappointments in the book was, what I perceived as the glossing over of the two greatest occurrences of John Adams' Presidential administration...The XYZ Affair and especially The Alien And Sedition Acts -- the latter of which still serves as a stain on Adams' otherwise impeccable political character and most certainly led to him not gaining a second term. I felt Stone spent more time explaining the styles of furnishings and types of clothes the Adamses favored instead of matters of greater import.
To gain a more thorough and readable understanding of these otherwise fascinating historical figures, I'd suggest reading David McCullough's magnificent "John Adams" or Cokie Roberts, "Founding Mothers". It's a shame that this book, in my opinion, was a waste of time. I would have been better served reading Joseph Ellis' telling of the Adams' story in his book, "First Family"...a book I planned to have read, but will now need to be put on hold. "Those Who Love" has effectively led me to need a break from John & Abigail Adams as well as from the time period in which they lived. This is an unfortunate consequence of having read Irving Stone's book, because from what I've read previously about John & Abigail Adams, they deserved a book to be more worthy of who they really were. FINISHED 8-25-12
October 18, 2020
This biographical novel of Abigail and John Adams was the #6 bestseller in 1965. I enjoyed it for the history of the Revolutionary War, the creation of America as a country, and the difficulties of our new government over the next decade. The political infighting felt similar to what we have going on today.
I liked the way Irving Stone depicted Abigail and John. They were a Puritan couple who saw eye to eye on the dream of creating a democracy though they had tremendous challenges. That said, it is a clearly pro-America rendition of our new country with slavery and Indian issues glossed over. As soon as I finished the book I picked up my copy of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and started reading.
I liked the way Irving Stone depicted Abigail and John. They were a Puritan couple who saw eye to eye on the dream of creating a democracy though they had tremendous challenges. That said, it is a clearly pro-America rendition of our new country with slavery and Indian issues glossed over. As soon as I finished the book I picked up my copy of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and started reading.
July 7, 2022
یکی از بهترین بیوگرافی هایی بود که خوندم. دقیق و داستانگو و بدون اینکه حوصله ی خواننده از ذکر جزییات سیاسی زیاد سر بره. ۴ جلد خوب و روان حتی با وجود ترجمه‌‌ای که از زبان معیار امروزی فاصله داره. جان آدامز و خانم ابیگیل آدامز، ریاست جمهوری دوم آمریکا و یکی از بنیانگذاران کشور آمریکا! چه خوب که شناختمتون.
January 2, 2010
I loved this book. Cannot imagine living the life of Abigail. She was John's backbone, who would have known? This book started me reading many more about the American Revolution and the founding of our country.
March 29, 2018
عالی بود.
January 7, 2024
1973: This may be the book that triggered my interest in John & Abigail Adams.
2024
3 -- as a novel
4.5 -- for the history
None of this seemed familiar to me. Discouraging.
Again, I am amazed by how fragile this nation seems to have been in those early years. Strong personalities with differing beliefs about the role of a government were continually at odds. Could thoughtful deliberation have ever reconciled the differences?
I know that Stone did a lot of research and used many direct quotes, but I also wonder how much of this reflects his own interpretation of the times and the peoples? For example, this passage is about Christmas 1777 in the Adams household, p 357:
"Children, I have presents for each of you. Can you guess what they are?"
"Books!" cried the four in unison.
John appeared crestfallen. "Now how could you have known so sure?"
"But, Papa," cried Johnny, "you always bring us books."
(This is the only conversation of this type in the whole book, so what prompted him to include it?)
An example of something I learned about pre-revolutionary times:
p 36 The Church was the State in Massachusetts, for only those who were saved, the members of the congregation, had the right to vote.
And, of course, the clashes between these historical figures are starkly presented. Here are Adams thoughts about Hamilton (p 635)
He is an intriguant, the greatest intriguant in the world. A man devoid of every moral principle, a bastard and a foreigner."
Is this a direct quote from Adams' writings?
Stone seems to hold the Washingtons in high regard.
2024
3 -- as a novel
4.5 -- for the history
None of this seemed familiar to me. Discouraging.
Again, I am amazed by how fragile this nation seems to have been in those early years. Strong personalities with differing beliefs about the role of a government were continually at odds. Could thoughtful deliberation have ever reconciled the differences?
I know that Stone did a lot of research and used many direct quotes, but I also wonder how much of this reflects his own interpretation of the times and the peoples? For example, this passage is about Christmas 1777 in the Adams household, p 357:
"Children, I have presents for each of you. Can you guess what they are?"
"Books!" cried the four in unison.
John appeared crestfallen. "Now how could you have known so sure?"
"But, Papa," cried Johnny, "you always bring us books."
(This is the only conversation of this type in the whole book, so what prompted him to include it?)
An example of something I learned about pre-revolutionary times:
p 36 The Church was the State in Massachusetts, for only those who were saved, the members of the congregation, had the right to vote.
And, of course, the clashes between these historical figures are starkly presented. Here are Adams thoughts about Hamilton (p 635)
He is an intriguant, the greatest intriguant in the world. A man devoid of every moral principle, a bastard and a foreigner."
Is this a direct quote from Adams' writings?
Stone seems to hold the Washingtons in high regard.
June 6, 2015
Another great one from Irving Stone. I like his pro-American, pro-founding father, but honest, take on history. I learned so much about the American Revolution and the birth of the country. Felt like I was there!
May 12, 2011
I read this some time ago, but it is one of my all time favorite books. I love the purity of the love story between John and Abigail. They showed amazing resiliency in the face of difficult trials. And became one of the most influential couples to ever grace our nation.
July 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this historical novel about the birth of our nation with the central characters being John and Abigail Adams. I learned a lot, and I found their lives fascinating. John and Abigail were honorable and honest and they sacrificed much to see our democracy come to fruition. Often, their contributions went unnoticed and unappreciated. This was a great story worthy of being read.
July 14, 2024
an excellent historical novel
February 2, 2008
While it is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Abigail and John Adams, it has been thoroughly researched and is accurate as far as the events in their lives are concerned.
John and Abigail Adams were true partners in life. Their letters to one another showed that John considered not just his wife, but his best friend, his intellectual equal and his greatest confidante.
The book starts with the meeting of Abigail and John and their courtship in spite of her mother's initial disapproval. It centers mostly on Abigail who had the burden of making it all work while her husband pursued his political ambitions. They spent long periods of time apart while John was serving in Congress or in Europe. Quite often she had to do her best to make ends meet while John was not paid or belatedly paid by the government for his work.
It's a well written book and I can enthusiasically recommend it to anyone interested in the life of Abigail Adams.
John and Abigail Adams were true partners in life. Their letters to one another showed that John considered not just his wife, but his best friend, his intellectual equal and his greatest confidante.
The book starts with the meeting of Abigail and John and their courtship in spite of her mother's initial disapproval. It centers mostly on Abigail who had the burden of making it all work while her husband pursued his political ambitions. They spent long periods of time apart while John was serving in Congress or in Europe. Quite often she had to do her best to make ends meet while John was not paid or belatedly paid by the government for his work.
It's a well written book and I can enthusiasically recommend it to anyone interested in the life of Abigail Adams.
February 9, 2016
I absolutely adored this biography of John and Abigail Adams. The novel was weighted more heavily toward Abigail's view of the events that surrounded their lives, which I really loved. She was every bit as remarkable as her famous husband. Their sacrifices for their country were not on the battlefield, but were every bit as necessary to the survival of a young nation. It's too bad the book is out of print, because it is beautifully written and gave me a renewed respect for the founding fathers of this nation. I highly recommend it to anyone who get their hands on a copy.
January 22, 2011
I always love getting a little truth and history with my novels, and this one doesn't disappoint. Learn more about John and Abigail Adams and discover that behind very successful man, there is a woman who loves him.
March 31, 2019
For someone who teaches the Adams presidency, I found this book to be an enlightening read on the personal relationship of John and Abigail.
Abigail has been one of my favorite women of history to study since I was a little girl, so this overdue read was very special to me.
Abigail has been one of my favorite women of history to study since I was a little girl, so this overdue read was very special to me.
June 20, 2010
A biographical novel of Abigail Smith and John Adams. Set in the 18th Century creates the drama filled years when America broke away from Britain.
November 14, 2016
ایروینگ استون با استفاده از اسناد به جا مانده از دوران جنگ های استقلال آمریکا، زندگی جان آدامز را روایت کرده است
September 3, 2022
Irving Stone is a masterful writer and researcher. I can't imagine the amount of work he put into this book. I loved and devoured (almost) every word.
The book started slow... very slow. So slow I picked it up one month and put it down until the next month, and the next, and the next. It was my bedtime snooze fest. I didn't get caught up in it until about 200 pages in. By then I was invested in John and Abigail's story and was used to Stone's writing.
I truly enjoyed reading every detail of the Revolution, John's days in the Continental Congress, their time in Paris and London (the parties!!), his Vice Presidency, their constant upkeep of their homes in Braintree, their family troubles, their love story.
It was surprising to me that they lived most of their lives in debt, with constant worry of how to keep up with the Joneses (or in this case, the international royalty). Another surprise was learning that even in the early days of the country, there were major disputes against the two parties, always wars and rumors of war, always little revolts, always trouble with waning patriotism. History truly is one eternal round.
_
"I must judge for myself; but how can I judge, how can any man judge, unless his mind has been opened and enlarged by reading?"
"One could possibly be master of one's fate in a quiet era, but perhaps an era only looks quiet in retrospect. Perhaps for the people who had to trudge their way painfully through it, it was filled with turmoil."
"But above all, except the wife and children, I want to see my books."
"My dear Miss Abigail, you are not only my wife but my mother-confessor. Your listening absolves me. I then sleep like a woolly white lamb. Did you know that absolution for your husband would be part of your job as a wife?"
"There's no role I enjoy more than being the omnipotent savant at my own dinner table."
"The two hired hands John had left behind were experienced workers but not inclined to crowd too much accomplishment into any one day's work."
"...may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible."
"These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All history will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues." - Abigail to son Johnny
"That magnificent contingent of men with whom he had started a revolution, carrying it through to the creation of a wholly new and noble form of government, had been kissed by God. Otherwise, how could they have accomplished so much in the course of their own generation?"
The book started slow... very slow. So slow I picked it up one month and put it down until the next month, and the next, and the next. It was my bedtime snooze fest. I didn't get caught up in it until about 200 pages in. By then I was invested in John and Abigail's story and was used to Stone's writing.
I truly enjoyed reading every detail of the Revolution, John's days in the Continental Congress, their time in Paris and London (the parties!!), his Vice Presidency, their constant upkeep of their homes in Braintree, their family troubles, their love story.
It was surprising to me that they lived most of their lives in debt, with constant worry of how to keep up with the Joneses (or in this case, the international royalty). Another surprise was learning that even in the early days of the country, there were major disputes against the two parties, always wars and rumors of war, always little revolts, always trouble with waning patriotism. History truly is one eternal round.
_
"I must judge for myself; but how can I judge, how can any man judge, unless his mind has been opened and enlarged by reading?"
"One could possibly be master of one's fate in a quiet era, but perhaps an era only looks quiet in retrospect. Perhaps for the people who had to trudge their way painfully through it, it was filled with turmoil."
"But above all, except the wife and children, I want to see my books."
"My dear Miss Abigail, you are not only my wife but my mother-confessor. Your listening absolves me. I then sleep like a woolly white lamb. Did you know that absolution for your husband would be part of your job as a wife?"
"There's no role I enjoy more than being the omnipotent savant at my own dinner table."
"The two hired hands John had left behind were experienced workers but not inclined to crowd too much accomplishment into any one day's work."
"...may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible."
"These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All history will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues." - Abigail to son Johnny
"That magnificent contingent of men with whom he had started a revolution, carrying it through to the creation of a wholly new and noble form of government, had been kissed by God. Otherwise, how could they have accomplished so much in the course of their own generation?"
December 8, 2024
I will go to my grave believing that Colleen C. developed a crush on me in 6th grade because I was reading Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy, his big historical doorstop about Michelangelo, thereby proving my sophisticated taste. Stone was hugely popular around the middle of the last century, but his historical novels are neglected these days. A second pass at Those Who Love after 60 years pretty much reveals Stone's strengths as an author: his research is impeccable for the time, especially considering that the recent re-interest in John and Abigail didn't really ignite until four years after its publication in 1965. The Broadway musical 1776 showcased their relationship as a major subplot, which led to a PBS series about the Adams family. Stone clearly had access to the couple's exchanged letters, which reveal a marriage that functioned as both a love story and political relationship unique in our history. The fact that the same positions --- President and First Lady --- are about to be inhabited again by a con artist and his grifter wife is an indication of how far the United States has fallen.
The biggest weaknesses are the actual plot and writing. Stone has no particular literary style, and there is nothing memorable about either. Those Who Love reads like an encyclopedia article in hardcover. It's not necessarily the worst criticism, but at the same time if you are reading a novel I think it is fair that it offers literary rewards. This one does not. It is an easy read, however, perfect for beach reading. If you fall asleep while doing so, make sure you used suntan oil.
The biggest weaknesses are the actual plot and writing. Stone has no particular literary style, and there is nothing memorable about either. Those Who Love reads like an encyclopedia article in hardcover. It's not necessarily the worst criticism, but at the same time if you are reading a novel I think it is fair that it offers literary rewards. This one does not. It is an easy read, however, perfect for beach reading. If you fall asleep while doing so, make sure you used suntan oil.
June 18, 2018
An very enlightening book. I learned more than I had previously known about Abigail Smith and John Adams's marriage. Abigail had to have been a very strong woman to have been able to care for her family and the farm, etc, while John was away for years at a time. It appears that he was not so easy to please and was rather stern. He did love he deeply in his own way, and she adored him, he was the love of her life.
I knew that their son,Charles had his drinking issues, but did not know that John Adams had disowned him. John broke down in sobs when he learned of Charles's death. Of course, Abigail was devastated. Read if you can find a copy!!
I knew that their son,Charles had his drinking issues, but did not know that John Adams had disowned him. John broke down in sobs when he learned of Charles's death. Of course, Abigail was devastated. Read if you can find a copy!!
March 20, 2022
An affectionate tale told from the viewpoint of Abrigail Adams wife to the great John Adams. The reader struggles when she must move her furniture to a new abode, choose curtains, fix the budget at the farm, endure running things on her home without her spouse, attend numerous political functions and social gatherings in France, try to educate her sons at home, and all other mundane goings on over the years. Stone writes a detailed, thorough life of the Adams' life within the constrictions of women at the time, but editing would have lessened the monotony of daily life that monopolized the entire book. A real snooze.
April 30, 2023
ძალიან კარგი წიგნია (რაც ირვინგ სტოუნისგან მოულოდნელი არ იყო) ამერიკის ისტორიაზე. დიახ, აქ მთავარი გმირი სწორედ ახლადდაბადებული ამერიკის შეერთებული შტატებია და არა აბიგაილ და ჯონ ადამსები. მათი სიყვარულით სავსე ცხოვრება ფონად გასდევს ამბავს, რომელმაც შეცვალა მსოფლიო - ბოსტონის ჩაის სმით დაწყებულ უსასრულო გზას, რომელმაც უამრავი შეცდომით, ტკივილით, ბრძოლით მოიყვანა დღემდე ეს დიდებული ერი. არის კი დღეს ბოლომდე განხორციელებული ადამსების ოცნებები? ალბათ ჯერ კიდევ არა, თუმცა ის პირველი კონსტიტუცია, რომელიც ჯონის ხელით და აბიგაილის თანადგომით, დამფუძნებელი მამების ხელშეწყობით შეიქმნა, რჩება უნიკალურ იდეად, რომელსაც უნდა დაეფუძნოს არა მხოლოდ ერთი ქვეყნის, არამედ მსოფლიოს წესრიგი.
February 20, 2022
Those Who Love by Irving Stone is an historical novel about Abigail and John Adams, their courtship, and the behind the scenes of the forming of America. It is full of factual events in the early years of this country. It also is a snapshot of the early times in the lives of Abigail Adams.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that was part of a Reader's Digest book selection. If you are able to get a copy, I highly recommend reading it. It may even be available in your public library.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that was part of a Reader's Digest book selection. If you are able to get a copy, I highly recommend reading it. It may even be available in your public library.
March 13, 2017
From the description this book was right up my alley. I love getting that "behind the scenes" point of view that this book promised. However, it just did not do that for me. The book was dry and dragged on far too long. I didn't give it one star because it wasn't a total disaster- there were plenty of parts that were interesting to me. But the interesting parts were far outnumbered by the bland ones, and at no point was I fully engrossed.
January 13, 2019
This biographical novel by Irving Stone is brilliant. While written in 1965, it does not shirk from addressing the issues that the spouses of America's founders faced. John Adams is very much as I pictured him - a plain-looking, prickly and brilliant man who is frustrated that others do not always see his vision of America. One of my favorite quotes in the book if from his cousin, Samuel Adams, who says that "England is creating an entirely new species - The American."
June 13, 2022
5/10
This book is so bland and devoid of life I thought I was consuming a sack of flour raw.
The main problem with this book in my opinion is how little it says in 650 pages. Like the American Revolution is a juicy piece of history, creating a historical fiction novel based on it should have something interesting in it but there is no excitement in this novel, leaving this story dry. Reading Wikipedia can get you better invested in a storyline than this book.
So because of this failure to create an engaging plot, or dynamic, our main characters suffer as well. I don't know how the author killed Abigail and John's personalities, but he did. Every era in this book is just "look how perfect we are as a couple and the interesting turned bland things that happened to us" even their courtship.
For the most part I can see the author did his research in the subjects he was covering but I do not believe he read their letters because if he did he would know how John and Abigail were basically enemies then friends then a couple. In real life they had strong personalities that came into conflict first before they learned how become friends. John made fun of Abigail's appearance and she insulted him back in their courtship, that's something that can be incorporated into this book. The author does nothing with this!!!! They just meet and become perfect lovers! Dollar store romance novels have more conflict than this!!!!!!!!!!! Like does everything have to be historically correct? No, but give the readers something to keep us interested.
We see the relationships they have with other people but there's no dynamics to play off of, just "Hi family friend, nice weather we are having!". When there is conflict, nothing is important enough to drive a plot or keep a reader reading. Like why didn't the author use 650 pages to show us the conflicting of John and Abigail's view's on Abigail Smith's (their daughter) marriage beyond, Jones is making us broke lol. What about the pressure they placed on their son John Quincy to succeed like his father, so much so he went into depressive episodes, didn't get a career in his personal interests, and carried a sense of constant failure through his entire life even as he became one of the important figures in early American history? Nothing! He's the most perfect kid! Jefferson was a huge family friend of theirs, why didn't they include Abigail's distrust of him and John's frenemy relationship? Jefferson is just a cool guy! We get glimpses here and there of interest characters but nothing comes of it. Some settings and histories are interestingly written that pretty much it. I finished this book only because I skimmed the last 150 pages.
Honestly you really like the Adams family and thought this book might have been for you, just watch the John Adams ministries. It is not perfect by any means but at least they nailed John and Abigail's relationship, the core of the story. The scene where John and Abigail reunite in France in the giant house is so good it almost got me to cry and I'm no big crier.
This book is so bland and devoid of life I thought I was consuming a sack of flour raw.
The main problem with this book in my opinion is how little it says in 650 pages. Like the American Revolution is a juicy piece of history, creating a historical fiction novel based on it should have something interesting in it but there is no excitement in this novel, leaving this story dry. Reading Wikipedia can get you better invested in a storyline than this book.
So because of this failure to create an engaging plot, or dynamic, our main characters suffer as well. I don't know how the author killed Abigail and John's personalities, but he did. Every era in this book is just "look how perfect we are as a couple and the interesting turned bland things that happened to us" even their courtship.
For the most part I can see the author did his research in the subjects he was covering but I do not believe he read their letters because if he did he would know how John and Abigail were basically enemies then friends then a couple. In real life they had strong personalities that came into conflict first before they learned how become friends. John made fun of Abigail's appearance and she insulted him back in their courtship, that's something that can be incorporated into this book. The author does nothing with this!!!! They just meet and become perfect lovers! Dollar store romance novels have more conflict than this!!!!!!!!!!! Like does everything have to be historically correct? No, but give the readers something to keep us interested.
We see the relationships they have with other people but there's no dynamics to play off of, just "Hi family friend, nice weather we are having!". When there is conflict, nothing is important enough to drive a plot or keep a reader reading. Like why didn't the author use 650 pages to show us the conflicting of John and Abigail's view's on Abigail Smith's (their daughter) marriage beyond, Jones is making us broke lol. What about the pressure they placed on their son John Quincy to succeed like his father, so much so he went into depressive episodes, didn't get a career in his personal interests, and carried a sense of constant failure through his entire life even as he became one of the important figures in early American history? Nothing! He's the most perfect kid! Jefferson was a huge family friend of theirs, why didn't they include Abigail's distrust of him and John's frenemy relationship? Jefferson is just a cool guy! We get glimpses here and there of interest characters but nothing comes of it. Some settings and histories are interestingly written that pretty much it. I finished this book only because I skimmed the last 150 pages.
Honestly you really like the Adams family and thought this book might have been for you, just watch the John Adams ministries. It is not perfect by any means but at least they nailed John and Abigail's relationship, the core of the story. The scene where John and Abigail reunite in France in the giant house is so good it almost got me to cry and I'm no big crier.
December 3, 2020
Another Irving Stone under my belt. He NEVER disappoints! This was timely as I read about the scandals, lying, back biting, name calling, mud slinging and physical brawls of the 1800 presidential election. Although unfortunate, it gave me hope that there can be recovery from yet another election full of the same. 😬
March 19, 2017
I remembered loving this book when we read it in high school, so I gave it as a gift to my mom after she enjoyed the John Adams miniseries. When she was downsizing for her move and planned on donating many of her books, I took this one home and finally found time to re-read it. I liked it very much but found it a challenging read. I guess my brain was sharper 45 years ago! Our high school class also saw the movie "1776" as a companion piece, and both show the mutual love and respect between John and Abigail Adams. Her wisdom, sound political advice (which should have been heeded more than it was), and strength throughout difficult and changing conditions are inspiring.
August 30, 2017
A beautiful book about John Adams as told from the perspective of his wife, Abigail. While Stone's writing could be a bit melodramatic this particular book which draws from letters they wrote one another isn't as bad as some of his work. Highly recommended.
November 7, 2020
Historical....1750s-1801 New England....formation of United States framed by Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. Dense, heavily researched - read purposely during lead up to 2020 election, fitting to have finished on the day Biden finally declared winner.
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