Helpful Score: 5
Interesting and well written historical novel before and during the Civil War years from the viewpoint of a black woman who had known life as a slave and rose to prominence due to her sewing skills as the premier dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln and Mrs. Jefferson Davis, among others.
Paints a charming portrait of everyday life with Abraham Lincoln and what he gave to our country.
In depth study of Mrs. Lincoln's personality and friendship with her seamstress.
Paints a charming portrait of everyday life with Abraham Lincoln and what he gave to our country.
In depth study of Mrs. Lincoln's personality and friendship with her seamstress.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the story of Elizabeth Keckley, a strong and inspiring woman who, born a slave, worked hard sewing for ladies on the side and saved enough to free herself and her son and then to send her son Robert to school. It's about her determination to not only survive in the world, but to also prosper in her dressmaking business, hiring others and offering assistance to newly freed slaves who were trying to make their own way in the world for the first time. During the Civil War, she cofounded the Contraband Relief Society, personally contributing as much money as she could spare and also teaching the freed slaves sewing skills they could use for their livelihood. In this novel, we also meet the Lincolns through her eyes, as Elizabeth Keckley became the personal modiste of Mary Todd Lincoln and became acquainted with the president's family intimately during her employ at the White House. She became Mrs. Lincoln's closest friend, the person called upon during traumatic events, when Mrs. Lincoln lost a child to illness and later lost her husband at the hand of an assassin. Elizabeth Keckley was always there to comfort Mrs. Lincoln and offer sound advice and wise counsel, a true friend in times of need, often neglecting her other clients and personal needs. I think it is very sad that Mrs. Lincoln was not as loyal to Elizabeth Keckley, as after one embarrassing mistake in the publishing of some personal correspondence as part of Ms. Keckley's memoir Mrs. Lincoln was never able to forgive her.
I enjoyed this novel and would suggest it to any Civil War enthusiast and anyone who enjoys reading about history from a different perspective than we are typically taught about in school. This is not by any means an unbiased account of the Civil War and the issues surrounding those times, but it is likely the way Ms. Keckley might have viewed them. And the relationship between Ms. Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln was a remarkable one, especially considering the differences in their backgrounds and stations in life. I only wish it could have had a happy ending. We can only hope, as Ms. Keckley did at the end of the novel, that their friendship was renewed in the afterlife.
I enjoyed this novel and would suggest it to any Civil War enthusiast and anyone who enjoys reading about history from a different perspective than we are typically taught about in school. This is not by any means an unbiased account of the Civil War and the issues surrounding those times, but it is likely the way Ms. Keckley might have viewed them. And the relationship between Ms. Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln was a remarkable one, especially considering the differences in their backgrounds and stations in life. I only wish it could have had a happy ending. We can only hope, as Ms. Keckley did at the end of the novel, that their friendship was renewed in the afterlife.
Helpful Score: 3
In the novel Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker the story of Elizabeth Keckley unfolds; Elizabeth is a woman in her late thirties at the beginning of the novel who works for years to gain her and her sons freedom out of the cruel world of slavery. After being a slave for thirty plus years she saves up enough money to buy her way to freedom and eventually finds herself in Washington working as a modiste or a dresser, and creator of fashions for the elite of society in Washington's higher circles. Her contacts will eventually lead her to Mary Todd Lincoln who will be one of her most challenging and yet rewarding clients.
The plot line follows the two women's relationship as it progresses from when the Lincoln's first enter the white house, into the events of the Civil War, through Mrs. Lincoln's bad press reviews, the death of her sons, Mrs. Lincoln's bad spending habits which she gets bad press reviews for, into the hard won second election of President Lincoln, and his assassination. Through the years it is interesting to look at these events through the eyes of two different women from totally different places in society, and to imagine how they might have dealt with the challenges they were facing.
Overall the book for me gave a different perspective to Abraham Lincoln from Elizabeth Keckley's point of view that I'd never thought about before, and there were other historical details in the book that I learned about that definitely made it a worthwhile read for me, especially knowing that Elizabeth Keckley was a real woman, and did have similar experiences to those portrayed in the book. It is one I would recommend to those interested in this time period in American history.
For more of my reviews check out my blog: http://booksalicious.blogspot.com/
The plot line follows the two women's relationship as it progresses from when the Lincoln's first enter the white house, into the events of the Civil War, through Mrs. Lincoln's bad press reviews, the death of her sons, Mrs. Lincoln's bad spending habits which she gets bad press reviews for, into the hard won second election of President Lincoln, and his assassination. Through the years it is interesting to look at these events through the eyes of two different women from totally different places in society, and to imagine how they might have dealt with the challenges they were facing.
Overall the book for me gave a different perspective to Abraham Lincoln from Elizabeth Keckley's point of view that I'd never thought about before, and there were other historical details in the book that I learned about that definitely made it a worthwhile read for me, especially knowing that Elizabeth Keckley was a real woman, and did have similar experiences to those portrayed in the book. It is one I would recommend to those interested in this time period in American history.
For more of my reviews check out my blog: http://booksalicious.blogspot.com/
Helpful Score: 2
This book gave far too much historical and military detail,, which slowed the plot and character development to a crawl. I know the author wanted to provide context, but The book was titled " Dressmaker" not "the Civil War". I couldn't get past page 50 after three tries.
Helpful Score: 1
Another well written, lovely book by this author. Even at my age, there are things to learn about our country's history and this is a wonderful, entertaining way to do it. Ms Chiaverini certainly describes Mrs. Lincoln to a "T" it would seem - excessive spending, mood swings, etc. but much of this may have been a result of the many tragic losses she endured - trying to find ways outside of herself to make herself happy. The characters in this book are so well developed, especially the MC that one feels like one knows them personally. A great read and highly recommended! 4.5 stars.
This was an interesting story about Elizabeth Keckley, a slave who bought freedom for herself and her son and became a well known dressmaker for the Washington elite. She soon became the exclusive dressmaker and good friend to Mary Tod Lincoln, who is portrayed as a self-centered, proud, narcissistic and pathetic woman.
Mrs. Lincoln never forgave her good friend for writing a book about her days in the White House and didn't speak to her again. It sadly portrayed a devastated Elizabeth, who went from a thriving dressmaking business and ended up in the Home For Destitute Colored Women and Children in her 80's.
In my opinion, the book had too much military history of the Civil War that was boring to me and I did skim a lot. But the story of Mrs. Lincoln was fascinating.
Mrs. Lincoln never forgave her good friend for writing a book about her days in the White House and didn't speak to her again. It sadly portrayed a devastated Elizabeth, who went from a thriving dressmaking business and ended up in the Home For Destitute Colored Women and Children in her 80's.
In my opinion, the book had too much military history of the Civil War that was boring to me and I did skim a lot. But the story of Mrs. Lincoln was fascinating.
This book has been wildly popular on PBS, and sometimes, I think that can be misleading.
I am writing this review for others like me who started the book and wondered "Why am I so bored?" I did finish the book. I tend to do that hoping it will get better. I put the book down and started looking for reviews about this book. I found one review here on PBS and it praised this book and this author. I was even more confused. So I did what most of us should or could do; I checked out the reviews from Amazon. It was good to find that I was not alone.
Here are a few things to consider: It reads like a history book. We begin in 1860, and Lincoln is elected. Our dress maker is making dresses for a Mrs. Davis? Do you know your history? Who is this woman? ;) Well, for some reason this woman leaves Washington and heads back south. hmmmm..... the plot thickens... Our dress maker begins to work for Mrs. Lincoln.. and then we have this bloody war, and a few battles and all these generals on all sides and we are told who wins and the number of losses. Bored yet? Then spoiler alert Lincoln is killed, Yes, He dies in the end. Ok actually page 221.
This is were the book starts to get better as you get more into the relationship with the dressmaker and the Widow Lincoln. Still mildly dull, but a fresh story at least I dont know how it ends.
Also from reading the reviews, I learned, that Jennifer Chiaverini = JC, actually took most of the story, word for word, from the book Behind the Scenes written in 1886, by our dressmaker. JC stated she wrote or updated the book for the modern reader. I think that holds true. As it goes more into what happens to the dressmaker, because she wrote the book.
Overall, I guess I learned a few things, There was this one statesman by the last name of CHASE in the book. Yep that Chase Bank guy. What a scoundrel! I also found it interesting that the civilians would go out and watch the battles from a hill.
Over all if you dont want to read Behind the Seams, this book would be a good choice. If you have better things to do, dont feel like you missed the book of the year because you didnt. I think there are better books out there about this topic.
In general, I would say skip this book unless you like the dramatization/ fictionalization of historical stories or really like Abe Lincoln. I think history buffs would be bored and offended.
I am writing this review for others like me who started the book and wondered "Why am I so bored?" I did finish the book. I tend to do that hoping it will get better. I put the book down and started looking for reviews about this book. I found one review here on PBS and it praised this book and this author. I was even more confused. So I did what most of us should or could do; I checked out the reviews from Amazon. It was good to find that I was not alone.
Here are a few things to consider: It reads like a history book. We begin in 1860, and Lincoln is elected. Our dress maker is making dresses for a Mrs. Davis? Do you know your history? Who is this woman? ;) Well, for some reason this woman leaves Washington and heads back south. hmmmm..... the plot thickens... Our dress maker begins to work for Mrs. Lincoln.. and then we have this bloody war, and a few battles and all these generals on all sides and we are told who wins and the number of losses. Bored yet? Then spoiler alert Lincoln is killed, Yes, He dies in the end. Ok actually page 221.
This is were the book starts to get better as you get more into the relationship with the dressmaker and the Widow Lincoln. Still mildly dull, but a fresh story at least I dont know how it ends.
Also from reading the reviews, I learned, that Jennifer Chiaverini = JC, actually took most of the story, word for word, from the book Behind the Scenes written in 1886, by our dressmaker. JC stated she wrote or updated the book for the modern reader. I think that holds true. As it goes more into what happens to the dressmaker, because she wrote the book.
Overall, I guess I learned a few things, There was this one statesman by the last name of CHASE in the book. Yep that Chase Bank guy. What a scoundrel! I also found it interesting that the civilians would go out and watch the battles from a hill.
Over all if you dont want to read Behind the Seams, this book would be a good choice. If you have better things to do, dont feel like you missed the book of the year because you didnt. I think there are better books out there about this topic.
In general, I would say skip this book unless you like the dramatization/ fictionalization of historical stories or really like Abe Lincoln. I think history buffs would be bored and offended.
Very interesting read. I really enjoyed it. Loved the glimpse into the Lincoln White House. The whole story of a freed black/colored woman being a witness to history and a confidante to Mrs. Lincoln while also running her own business was enlightening. More wonderful is her writing her memoir so that we can look back on how it all was. This novel is based on that memoir.
If you saw the movie Lincoln then this is a fitting continuation of the story from the perspectives of Mrs. Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley.
If you saw the movie Lincoln then this is a fitting continuation of the story from the perspectives of Mrs. Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley.
This book has been wildly popular on PBS, and sometimes, I think that can be misleading.
I am writing this review for others like me who started the book and wondered "Why am I so bored?" I did finish the book. I tend to do that hoping it will get better. I put the book down and started looking for reviews about this book. I found one review here on PBS and it praised this book and this author. I was even more confused. So I did what most of us should or could do; I checked out the reviews from Amazon. It was good to find that I was not alone.
Here are a few things to consider: It reads like a history book. We begin in 1860, and Lincoln is elected. Our dress maker is making dresses for a Mrs. Davis? Do you know your history? Who is this woman? ;) Well, for some reason this woman leaves Washington and heads back south. hmmmm..... the plot thickens... Our dress maker begins to work for Mrs. Lincoln.. and then we have this bloody war, and a few battles and all these generals on all sides and we are told who wins and the number of losses. Bored yet? Then spoiler alert Lincoln is killed, Yes, He dies in the end. Ok actually page 221.
This is were the book starts to get better as you get more into the relationship with the dressmaker and the Widow Lincoln. Still mildly dull, but a fresh story at least I dont know how it ends.
Also from reading the reviews, I learned, that Jennifer Chiaverini = JC, actually took most of the story, word for word, from the book Behind the Scenes written in 1886, by our dressmaker. JC stated she wrote or updated the book for the modern reader. I think that holds true. As it goes more into what happens to the dressmaker, because she wrote the book.
Overall, I guess I learned a few things, There was this one statesman by the last name of CHASE in the book. Yep that Chase Bank guy. What a scoundrel! I also found it interesting that the civilians would go out and watch the battles from a hill.
Over all if you dont want to read Behind the Seams, this book would be a good choice. If you have better things to do, dont feel like you missed the book of the year because you didnt. I think there are better books out there about this topic.
In general, I would say skip this book unless you like the dramatization/ fictionalization of historical stories or really like Abe Lincoln. I think history buffs would be bored and offended.
I am writing this review for others like me who started the book and wondered "Why am I so bored?" I did finish the book. I tend to do that hoping it will get better. I put the book down and started looking for reviews about this book. I found one review here on PBS and it praised this book and this author. I was even more confused. So I did what most of us should or could do; I checked out the reviews from Amazon. It was good to find that I was not alone.
Here are a few things to consider: It reads like a history book. We begin in 1860, and Lincoln is elected. Our dress maker is making dresses for a Mrs. Davis? Do you know your history? Who is this woman? ;) Well, for some reason this woman leaves Washington and heads back south. hmmmm..... the plot thickens... Our dress maker begins to work for Mrs. Lincoln.. and then we have this bloody war, and a few battles and all these generals on all sides and we are told who wins and the number of losses. Bored yet? Then spoiler alert Lincoln is killed, Yes, He dies in the end. Ok actually page 221.
This is were the book starts to get better as you get more into the relationship with the dressmaker and the Widow Lincoln. Still mildly dull, but a fresh story at least I dont know how it ends.
Also from reading the reviews, I learned, that Jennifer Chiaverini = JC, actually took most of the story, word for word, from the book Behind the Scenes written in 1886, by our dressmaker. JC stated she wrote or updated the book for the modern reader. I think that holds true. As it goes more into what happens to the dressmaker, because she wrote the book.
Overall, I guess I learned a few things, There was this one statesman by the last name of CHASE in the book. Yep that Chase Bank guy. What a scoundrel! I also found it interesting that the civilians would go out and watch the battles from a hill.
Over all if you dont want to read Behind the Seams, this book would be a good choice. If you have better things to do, dont feel like you missed the book of the year because you didnt. I think there are better books out there about this topic.
In general, I would say skip this book unless you like the dramatization/ fictionalization of historical stories or really like Abe Lincoln. I think history buffs would be bored and offended.
Just finished this terrific book this week and loved it. Wouldn't have known about it except that it was a book club selection and I'm so glad.
I learned much about Mrs. Lincoln and her life after President Lincoln's assassination. Not the happiest of tales, but quite moving. A piece of history not many know about.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There was a lot of interesting historical information about the Civil War with which I was unfamiliar and about abolition. I see now there is another book with the same name and wonder if I would have liked it better. It is a remarkable story tho and interesting in its own right.
Good book for historical fiction fans about an interesting woman, Elizabeth Keckley who was born a slave but ultimately because Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker. She said connected to Mrs. Lincoln during some of the most momentous times in our country's history and through personal tragedies.
Review posted on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/mrs-lincolns-dressmaker.html
