Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
 

I just finished Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest book, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker.
This is one of her better books. I give it a good review.

I was wondering how much was true and how much was fiction, Jennifer stayed with the facts, embellishing only to make an interesting story. I located this biography of Elizabeth which I found interesting to back up the facts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Keckly

If you would like to read the book that is mentioned in the story, I found it free for the Kindle on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Scenes-...+years+a+slave

The recent movie on Lincoln showed Elizabeth Keckly in the box at Ford’s theater when President Lincoln was shot. She was not there, I found no references to indicate that she was present. Jennifer Chiaverini’s version is more likely.

Jean

I've read the free Keckley book from Amazon, but have not read Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker yet. I generally like Chiaverini but am waiting for the price to go down. My inner cheapskate just can't pay that much for a book yet and the library here won't get it.

Thanks for your review of the book. I love to get other people's opinions before I buy book.

I have read Jennifer Chiverani's book also. It inspired me to search out and read Elizabeth Keckley's book. I found that Jennifer's novel closely followed Keckley's account. I have also read Jean R. Baker's Biography on Mary Todd Lincoln. In ts she quotes several times directly from Elizabeth Keckley's memoirs. I enjoyed the books tremendously. Another book I would recommend is one on the "other Civil War first Lady" Varina Davis - Jefferson Davis's wife. it is "First Lady of the Confederacy, Varina Davis" by Joan E. Cashin. Elizabeth Keckley is also quoted as in the Biography. If schools would mention more on these real life people, history would be so much more interesting!

Thanks for the review. Several years ago I went through a phase of reading historical fiction about first ladies. I loved all the Elm Creek Quilters and am looking forward to finding this one. Think I'l check out the library.l

Thanks for the info on Mrs. Davis, I just put a hold on it at my library.

On my Kindle but just haven't gotten to it yet. Soon I hope, given the great comments I've seen on the board.

I'm waiting till the price goes down a bit before buying this book...budget prevents my splurge. Just getting antsy waiting to read it....

check your local library. You may have to place a hold and wait in line. That is what I do.

when I hear a new book is going to be coming out, I go right away and place my hold if they have an order record.

I'd seen a mention of it in the local paper so bought the $6.12 version on Amazon for my Kindle. Didn't realize there was a free one! Am about 1/3 of the way through the first one and downloaded the free one today to ck. differences. Free one has fewer pages but will ck to see how diff they are. Amazon cust svc said if they're alike they may credit me for the paid one! She sounds like an interesting lady for sure!

Thank you SO much for the information.. After your message, I spent quite awhile reading about "Elizabeth" on Wikipidia..Have downloaded the free kindle copy on my Christmas kindle.. thanks again....Very noble looking portrait on there......