Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

 Recently, Dutton Publishing

contacted me again

and asked if I would like to review the latest

Jennifer Chiaverini book.

I've always enjoyed her Elm Creek Quilt Series,

and my interest was piqued 

when I read this would be her first 

stand alone Historical novel.

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker 

follows the true life story of 

Elizabeth Keckley, former slave

who becomes Mrs. Lincoln's 

personal modiste

friend, and companion.

 Surrounded by all of the attention coming forth lately 

with the movie Lincoln,

Jennifer Chiaverini's writings prove good timing.

Jennifer's inspiration came from the 1868 memoir

written by Elizabeth Keckley 

Four Years In The White House.

After learning about the Civil War

for most of my life from a man's perspective,

I greatly enjoyed gathering a view

of what it was like for the women of the era, 

especially from the stand point of a former slave.

So much has been written on Mrs. Lincoln's personality.

Here we have the details from one

who was there during the most crucial years.

Mrs. Chiaverini wrote

"As a friend and confidante who observed Mary Lincoln closely in moments of triumph as well as tragedy, Elizabeth Keckley knew her as a real woman, full of flaws and virtues and surprises like any other.  It was this far more nuanced woman that Elizabeth Keckley depicted in the pages of her memoir, and since Elizabeth Keckley is my narrator, I shaped the character of Mary Lincoln according to her perceptions."

Oh, the insight and ability of a woman with a needle and thread!

A good read!

You can find 

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

HERE

at Amazon.com