Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters

A Novel

By: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

"A fascinating glimpse into the women of an influential family on the front lines of some of the most important moments of that indelible time." (Booklist)

The New York Times best-selling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker returns to her most famous heroine, Mary Todd Lincoln, in this compelling story of love, loss, and sisterhood rich with history and suspense.

In May 1875, Elizabeth Todd Edwards reels from news that her younger sister Mary, former first lady and widow of President Abraham Lincoln, has attempted suicide. Mary’s shocking act followed legal proceedings arranged by her eldest and only surviving son that declared her legally insane. Although they have long been estranged, Elizabeth knows Mary’s tenuous mental health has deteriorated through decades of trauma and loss. Yet is her suicide attempt truly the impulse of a deranged mind or the desperate act of a sane woman terrified to be committed to an asylum? And - if her sisters can put past grievances aside - is their love powerful enough to save her?

Maternal Elizabeth, peacemaker Frances, envious Ann, and much adored Emilie had always turned to one another in times of joy and heartache, first as children, and later as young wives and mothers. But when Civil War erupted, the conflict that divided a nation shattered their family. The Todd sisters’ fates were bound to their husbands’ choices as some joined the Lincoln administration, others the Confederate Army.

Now, though discord and tragedy have strained their bonds, Elizabeth knows they must come together as sisters to help Mary in her most desperate hour.

©2020 Jennifer Chiaverini (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

A great story!!

This was a great story to listen to. The narrator really brought it to life.

Very interesting story and great narrator.

Very interesting story and great narrator. Alsi listened to Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker by the same author because I liked her that much.

Good but somewhat repetitive

Although I enjoyed the book, the subject matter is repeated over and over throughout the novel.

Beautifully written and narrated!

Beautifully written, I throughly enjoyed learning about Mary Lincoln and her sisters. The author captures an important time in history and gives the reader a view into the life of the Todd family and the courtship of Mary and Abraham Lincoln. The narrative’s performance was impeccable.

Brought family history to life

Being a great granddaughter of one of the sisters, I really enjoyed learning more about the entire family and that generation. It brought to life a lot of family history.

Very enjoyable!

I originally downloaded this book for my Mom and I to listen to on a road trip because she had it on her list of books to read. We didn't end up listening to it together but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I truly enjoyed it - the history and the perspectives. I also liked the narration. She did a great job! This was a surprise hit for me all around.

Well told story.

There was a bit of trouble separating the characters, mostly because there were so very many. I enjoyed it very much.
I’ve always enjoyed this author’s work; now on to her next one.

Very interesting read

Much is known about Mary Todd, but very little about her sisters. So much of what is known about. Mary has been disputed as incorrect but in this book, we get to see what Mary Todd really was like. I found it an extremely interesting book.

Civil War didn't break sister's bond

Ms. Chiaverini's writings are intriguing and make me want to know more about her characters. She provides enough detail to create a vivid picture but not so much that the reader gets lost. I can believe that this piece of historical fiction based on the lives of the Todd sister's and the time surrounding the American Civil War portrays a very realistic view of life of families of that time split by sentiments for North or South. At a time when the Todd sisters could have been irreconcilably torn apart, family was stronger than politics.

This book changed my view of Mary Todd Lincoln

In books and movies of President Lincoln, his wife was often portrayed as self centered, and often unfeeling towards others. I never really liked her. So I thought reading this book would give me more information about her. Although it is fiction, it is based on many facts and a truer picture of Mary Todd Lincoln is revealed showing how she grew up, and the events that shaped both her younger years and adult years. The story starts with the point in time when Mrs. Lincoln is confined to an insane asylum. The oldest sister asks the other sisters, closest in age to Mary to come and discuss what they should do. Should they not care for Mary themselves? I like the way the author went back and forth between the past and the present time the story was dealing with. The past would show events with a sister and how they had helped each other or what had divided them, then go back to their present time as that sister tried to decide what to do. Truly a fascinating story. It also shows how the Civil War divided the Todd family between the North and the South and the results that had on their family. Well worth listening to. It really changed my mind about Mary Todd Lincoln and gave me a better understanding of her actions. The narrator made you forget she was but one person reading a book to you, but made it sound like a group of performers. Well done.