For too long, Ben Franklin’s common-law wife has been dismissed as illiterate and boring. Nancy Rubin Stuart’s post-feminism approach restores Deborah Reed Franklin to the esteem in which she was held in during her lifetime.

Poor Richard’s Women demonstrates that Deborah ably managed the family business while Ben spent years abroad, as well as the post office, while raising four children (included his illegitimate son), caring for her ailing mother, and supervising the building and outfitting of their new home at Franklin Court. In short, the woman was a powerhouse more like Abigail Adams than people think. When rioters protesting the Stamp Act threatened Franklin Court, Deborah brought in help and stood watch with a gun, ready to protect their home and Ben’s reputation! That’s Dolley Madison worthy!

Ben had a penchant for falling for his landladies and their daughters. Deborah was the daughter of the first Philadelphia family he boarded with. They were ready to be married when an opportunity arose or Ben to travel to London to purchase equipment to start his own publishing business. The money fell through, and he was stuck abroad. He found work and a room, then promptly became cozy with his widowed landlady. And, smitten with her daughter, as well. They became a second family, and it appears received the best of his love.

Deborah’s parents urged her to move on before she was over the hill. She married a worthless man who soon disappeared. When Ben finally returned to Philly, the two reunited and decided to resume their relationship. Then, Ben presented Deborah with his illegitimate son to raise!

For much of their marriage, Ben was abroad in England and France working for the patriot cause. He sent home loving letters—sometimes. And, followed his heart all the time. Along with his London landlady, he fell for a series of French women. They were close, but they all disappointed him when it came to the more physical intimacies he desired. By the time Ben came home for good, Deborah had died, and his London landlady as well, but her daughter Polly joined him in Philadelphia. As his health declined, he was lovingly cared for by Polly and his and Deborah’s daughter Sally. It had to rankle Sally to have Polly there!

The book is easy, engaging reading, full of fascinating women. We also met Ben’s children and grandchildren. They were a flawed, but interesting family.

I received a free egalley from the publisher through Edeweiss+. My review is fair and unbiased. ( )