Two women, sisters as close as they can be, find their lives torn apart by war as Civil war breaks the country in two. Mary Todd Lincoln who was attracted to a tall, thin, homely lawyer, marries him. A short woman who had never liked tall men, finds this one fascinating, intelligent and ambitious. Both love politics and he becomes President of the country.
Emily Todd Helm, her favorite sister, marries a southerner who becomes an officer in the southern army. As the states divide Mary supports her husband hoping for quick Northern victory while worrying about family members on both sides. Forfeiting home and limiting possessions to what she can carry, Emily follows her husband across the nation as the Rebels fight for independence. Nevertheless, the closeness of Todd family members the men fighting on both sides. As the war continues the Todds are torn apart and a number die, including Emily's husband, which survivors discover in newspaper notices. Both women lose too much but perhaps most important is the closeness they once shared.
The book begins as the sisters search for husband and continues with what happens to Mary and Emily following the death of their husbands. Thoroughly researched, this powerful novel details not only the complex relationship between the Todd sisters, but depicts in great detail what happens to the people of the country as the war wages on. The casualties pile up and the lack of preparation for the wounded becomes apparent. Among the battles, children are born, cared for by the mothers who fear for their husbands. The reader sees both sides of the story which is narrated in various chapters by the sisters. It's a wonderful, emotional read and the author is to be applauded an outstanding effort.
Emily Todd Helm, her favorite sister, marries a southerner who becomes an officer in the southern army. As the states divide Mary supports her husband hoping for quick Northern victory while worrying about family members on both sides. Forfeiting home and limiting possessions to what she can carry, Emily follows her husband across the nation as the Rebels fight for independence. Nevertheless, the closeness of Todd family members the men fighting on both sides. As the war continues the Todds are torn apart and a number die, including Emily's husband, which survivors discover in newspaper notices. Both women lose too much but perhaps most important is the closeness they once shared.
The book begins as the sisters search for husband and continues with what happens to Mary and Emily following the death of their husbands. Thoroughly researched, this powerful novel details not only the complex relationship between the Todd sisters, but depicts in great detail what happens to the people of the country as the war wages on. The casualties pile up and the lack of preparation for the wounded becomes apparent. Among the battles, children are born, cared for by the mothers who fear for their husbands. The reader sees both sides of the story which is narrated in various chapters by the sisters. It's a wonderful, emotional read and the author is to be applauded an outstanding effort.
