Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

Elizabeth Keckley was a former slave who earned her own freedom, and her son's, by sewing clothes. Her son, George, was conceived when Elizabeth was enslaved and her master raped her. But George was very dear to her anyway, and as the story opens, he is attending college in Ohio. Elizabeth has set up her business in Washington, DC in the 1860's, working out of a 'colored boardinghouse' , where Elizabeth had lots of friends. Her reputation soon has her making dresses for the DC elite.

When the Lincoln's come to the White House, Elizabeth becomes Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker, confidant, and apparently her only true friend. As Elizabeth comes and goes in the White House she becomes acquainted with everyone there , including the President, for whom she has great respect and hopes as becoming the "Great Emancipator".

The very intimate and interesting story chronicles the Civil War and the Lincoln family from Elizabeth's unique perspective. Tales of battles, huge death tolls, and political intrigue are interesting in and of themselves. The interaction of Elizabeth with Mary Todd Lincoln also gives a fairly well balanced tale of a President's wife who was often depressed, angry, compulsively shopping for the White House or personal items, and grief stricken with her son's and husband's deaths. One of the most interesting periods came after the death of Abraham Lincoln when Mary Todd was on a campaign to get support as the former President's wife, especially since she was in great debt because of her massive spending sprees.

Life for freedman, through Elizabeth's eyes, before abolishment of slavery, was especially interesting. Also,the roll of 'colored people' trying to enlist in the army, plus the result of hoards of newly freed slaves coming into Washington with nothing to keep them alive, nor any means to support themselves, was even more interesting. Elizabeth's life and actions, as a real person in history, made for fascinating reading as she interacted with Mrs. Lincoln as well as her own people. Excellent reading for everyone wanting a balanced accounting of that period of history!

The narrator did a great job with all the different character's, both male and female. Cadance and rhythm of voice was even and easy to listen to. The book itself is very well written with great detail and visual information, making you feel as if you were there.

I hate to state the obvious, but the assassination of Mr. Lincoln. Not the shooting itself but the reaction of Mrs. Lincoln for weeks/months after. It was very sad to witness her grief through Mrs. Keckley's eyes and point of view.

Although Mrs. Keckley is the narrator of the story, I found Mrs. Lincoln fascinating. It didn't depict her as "crazy" as we usually hear but as a very insecure, lonely character who deeply loved her husband and who had already lost 2 of her sons before her husband. Her best and only friend was Mrs. Keckley, her freed African American dressmaker. I got the impression that she trusted very few people and would push others away before she could get hurt. That explained a lot of her manic/depressive behavior.

Not extreme. I just enjoyed it and found I missed hearing it after it was over. I was surprised by the ending. I also was very surprised how the entire country turned their back on Mrs. Lincoln after her husband's death. That was sad too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book-story, narrator, delivery.

Who knew that at the time of great contention over slavery that Mary Lincoln's best friend was an African American seamstress? This book was obviously well researched and included a good bit of the author's imagination, a combination which made for an outstanding novel. While most of this author's books have been designed for quilters, this novel will appeal to a broader audience. Really enjoyed this one and may listen to it again.

Vivid
Detailed
Fast-paced

Mrs. Lincoln was my favorite character in this story. I knew so little of her story after her husband was assassinated and she left the White House. So much of her misery was of her own making, but the disrespect with which she was treated after President Lincoln's murder was completely unnecessary. Her legacy has been much maligned by people who did not know her, or people who did know her that were jealous of her. The fact that she struggled in such a human way with her grief. . . not only of her husband's murder, but also the deaths of her two sons. . . was poignant and deeply touching. I'm not sure that I would have been able to act any differently had it been my husband and son.

n/a

I was struck by the moment in which President Lincoln addressed the crowds in the evening after the war's conclusion from the White House window. The comment that he could be shot by anyone in the crowd made me think about how accessible he was the people and how that is so different from today.

This is definitely a story based in historical documents, so if you are not interested in the details, this is not the story for you. However, I will say that so much of whether I like an audiobook is based on how well I like the performer, and you cannot go wrong with Christina Moore's characterization of people in this story. It is subtle, beautifully done, and not overwrought.

I usually enjoy historical fiction, but it was very slow and monotone. I had to listen to the same chapter three times, as my interest kept wanning

The Third Bullet

very slow-monotone,

the concept for the story is good-may be better in paper

This book rates in the upper 3/4 of my listening

History - the freedom of slaves, at least for a while! Also the friendship that was formed between a very lonely person and her dependable dressmaker.

A very good reader that makes you want to listen more. Her ability to emphasize important information but also to have a kindness and empathy in her voice.

Elizabeth - I would like to learn her art from her, but also just sit and ask questions and listen to her experiences.

I think the author does her history research and homework very well before she starts writing.

This book was written for me to read. My love of history, especially the civil war. I am also a seamstress, so that part of the book peaked my interest also. I have to say it did not disappoint me in anyway. Totally worth it.

We travel often and have, for years, listened to Audible books on our trips. I received a tip at work that my wife would enjoy "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" so I suggested it. We downloaded and began listening.

While this is not an "edge-of-the-seat-page-turner" it was very well written and gave great insight into one of the greatest president's we have ever had. Since I do the majority of the driving I need something that will keep my interest and keep me awake. This book did just that.

The best part? For a guy: It didn't dwell heavily on the dressmaking aspect of things!

Her inflections as well as her well thought out voicing of the characters were very good. Sometimes narrators go over the top and voice a character in a manner that seems ridiculous. Christina Moore seemed to capture most of the characters quite well.

President Abraham Lincoln...duh! LOL. Who would choose to go with any of the other characters???

This is a very thought provoking narrative. I appreciate the short addendum at the end of the book explaining what part was fictionalized in order to tell a better story, but over all it was a very true telling of actual events.

Quite High!

The original book

Far too many to list.

Perhaps a few more than one.

Excellent listen with history and fiction.

This was one of the best historical books I have read! Great history with a terrific story