Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly: The Remarkable Story of the Friendship Between a First Lady and a Former Slave

Two babies were born in 1818 not far from each other but under very different circumstances. Mary Todd was a member of the southern aristocracy in Lexington, KY, while Elizabeth (Lizzy) Hobbs was born into slavery near Petersburg, VA. Despite their polar opposite social standings, they both could be considered victims of their times because they lacked the freedom to do what they wanted. The author goes into great detail about the contrasting backgrounds of the two women who didn't meet until the day before Abraham Lincoln's inauguration in 1861. It was at this point, well into the second half of the book, that the story launched for me.

It was in Washington that Lizzy Keckly thrived after she bought her own freedom from slavery. She show more became sought after as a skilled dressmaker and worked for the wives of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis. It was only natural that her reputation assured her of the position as dress designer for the new First Lady. Mrs. Lincoln became increasingly unpopular as southern states seceded and a civil war broke out. She came under attack for her spendthrift ways while the Union was scrambling to finance the war. She depended upon Lizzy as a confidante and, when they both lost sons (Lizzy to the war, Mary to disease), their bond was strengthened into friendship.

It was fascinating to go behind the scenes at the White House through the eyes of Lizzy Keckly. President Lincoln called her 'Madame' and appreciated her calming presence on his eccentric wife. While the book began slowly, the last third was completely absorbing. I learned a great deal about women's issues before and during the Civil War through the lives of thse two memorable women. show less

I found this book hard to "get into," but I realize this was probably because I have just recently read a few Lincoln biographies. Mary certainly grew up with her own set of issues... For me, the book picked up once Lincoln was elected. Mary seemed to really have needed a minder, and Lincoln, of course, was a bit preoccupied. I found it interesting that she was allowed to overrun her budget for the decorating of the WH as well as for herself, but this is no doubt due to our "youth" as a nation.

My sister gave me this book, telling me how much she enjoyed it. I found I just wasn't "reading" it until I finally bought a kindle version. Even then, it took me nearly a year to settle down to steady reading.

Mrs Lincoln & Mrs Keckley, by Jennifer Fleischner

★ ★ ★

Although I did not like this book, I am giving it 3 stars because I'm sure that history buffs of the Civil War era will enjoy this book.

The book began with a brief bit about the friendship in the prologue...but then went into the detailed background of Todd & somewhat of Mrs Keckley, but in a manner that jumped around. For myself, this was too detailed......I just don't care about all the minute facts about: Free Slaves of the era, Mary Todd's political ambitions (early on she decided she was going to be "a President's wife & live in the White House"), Todd's cousins, which Free Slaves bought which of their family members......

I chose this book because of the review I read and show more I thought that the book would focus on the friendship.......I was very bored & disappointed. show less

Felt academic. I wasn't in academic mood.