Dressed Up

Just about the time that I’m thinking I’m a mess, I read about Mrs. Lincoln, and recognize that next to her, I’m Dr. Phil. Wow. That woman was one hot mess. Undoubtedly today she would be treated with antidepressants and/or medication for bipolar disorder. I recognize that she did have a lot awful things happen to her in her lifetime. I can’t imagine losing one child, much less three and a husband.

I enjoyed Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker very much. I’m glad that I saw the movie Lincoln before reading this book, because it gave me some context. Actually, however, the book made me understand some things about the movie as well. If you saw the movie, you will recall that Elizabeth Keckley was with Mrs. Lincoln most of the time. I remember wondering why this black woman appeared to be Mrs. Lincoln’s BFF. Now I understand it a bit better.

This wasn’t primarily the story of Mary Todd Lincoln, however. This was the story of Elizabeth Keckley, a strong, intelligent, talented woman who happened to be a former slave. It was interesting to me to see the Civil War though her eyes. It was also interesting to see how the slaves and former slaves looked at Abraham Lincoln. He was, not surprisingly, their rescuer and hero.

As usual when I read a historical novel, I had Wikipedia at my ready. While the book clearly has Keckley writing her memoirs at least in part to set the world straight about Mary Todd Lincoln, that might not necessarily be true. It is true, however, that the Lincolns never forgave Keckley for writing the memoir. And I must admit, I was somewhat uncomfortable knowing that she wrote what she did. It does seem to me that someone in a place of trust like a companion or ladies maid has an obligation to not write a tell-all at the end of it all.

How did you feel about her writing this memoir?

Chiaverini’s book gave me a fairly clear perspective about the life of a slave. I can’t imagine how it felt to be someone’s property, and to be at your master’s beck and call in every way. Keckley didn’t seem to hold a lot of bitterness, and loved her resulting son very much.

I guess I hadn’t realized that free blacks weren’t allowed in the military until the war was nearly over. Don’t know why that surprised me, but it did.

How do you feel about Mary Todd Lincoln? Did you find her to be completely narcissistic, completely kooky, or a combination of many things? Did you like Elizabeth Keckley?

I would rate this book a 7 out of 10.