Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

By: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrated by: Christina Moore

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini illuminates the extraordinary friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a former slave who won her freedom by the skill of her needle, and the friendship of the First Lady by her devotion.

In Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, novelist Jennifer Chiaverini presents a stunning account of the friendship that blossomed between Mary Todd Lincoln and her seamstress, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Keckley, a former slave who gained her professional reputation in Washington, D.C. by outfitting the city’s elite. Keckley made history by sewing for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln within the White House, a trusted witness to many private moments between the President and his wife, two of the most compelling figures in American history.

In March 1861, Mrs. Lincoln chose Keckley from among a number of applicants to be her personal “modiste”, responsible not only for creating the First Lady’s gowns, but also for dressing Mrs. Lincoln in the beautiful attire Keckley had fashioned. The relationship between the two women quickly evolved, as Keckley was drawn into the intimate life of the Lincoln family, supporting Mary Todd Lincoln in the loss of first her son, and then her husband to the assassination that stunned the nation and the world.

Keckley saved scraps from the dozens of gowns she made for Mrs. Lincoln, eventually piecing together a tribute known as the Mary Todd Lincoln Quilt. She also saved memories, which she fashioned into a book, Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House. Upon its publication, Keckley’s memoir created a scandal that compelled Mary Todd Lincoln to sever all ties with her, but in the decades since, Keckley’s story has languished in the archives. In this impeccably researched, engrossing novel, Chiaverini brings history to life in rich, moving style.

©2013 Jennifer Chiaverini (P)2013 Recorded Books

Good mix of fiction and history

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.

Long book to listen to but a good book.

This my third book read by Christina Moore. I absolutely love the sound of her voice.

A wonderfully detailed story

Elizabeth and Mary Lincoln's relationship was very close until the very end due to interference of the attitudes of the time regarding race. Elizabeth was an amazingly humble, intelligent, and kind person. Compared to Mary Lincoln whom I regard in this story as a spoiled drama queen who does not forgive very easily.

This story was very detailed with the history of the time and how it affected people's lives, both black and white. I even learned that President Lincoln was not the only person who died that fateful night. I also learned that politics has not changed very much over time. It is still back-biting and unforgiving.

The narrator did a wonderful reading job. It was easy for her to transition from an adult voice to the Lincoln children's voice. I had no problem following the flow of the story, even though I had a hard time staying awake with the details of it.

Misleading Title

In my opinion, this book wasn't actually about Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker as much as it was about Mrs. Lincoln and her emotional distress. I had presumed the story was going to follow the life of the dressmaker, but the dressmaker's story was secondary to Mrs. Lincoln's story.

Prior to reading this book, I knew that Mrs. Lincoln had struggled with emotional issues throughout her life. This book gave the impression that Mrs. Lincoln was a self-centered basket case. I do not know which is the more accurate picture. As for the dressmaker, the little we learn about her life in this book is fascinating. She would be considered quite an accomplished person in any era.

This book was interesting, but I thought it dragged on for too long. I'm glad to have listened to it, and I was glad when it was over.

Great book

I loved the facts that were so greatly described in this book. A very good listen.