Civil War didn't break sister's bond

Ms. Chiaverini's writings are intriguing and make me want to know more about her characters. She provides enough detail to create a vivid picture but not so much that the reader gets lost. I can believe that this piece of historical fiction based on the lives of the Todd sister's and the time surrounding the American Civil War portrays a very realistic view of life of families of that time split by sentiments for North or South. At a time when the Todd sisters could have been irreconcilably torn apart, family was stronger than politics.

6 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

So So story

I usually like Jennifer chiaverini books but this one I just got through. it was like a gossip column. it lacked drama and a complex story. Basically, the whole story was Ms. Lincoln's sanity and how her sisters dealt with it. wouldn't recommend it.

6 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

This book changed my view of Mary Todd Lincoln

In books and movies of President Lincoln, his wife was often portrayed as self centered, and often unfeeling towards others. I never really liked her. So I thought reading this book would give me more information about her. Although it is fiction, it is based on many facts and a truer picture of Mary Todd Lincoln is revealed showing how she grew up, and the events that shaped both her younger years and adult years. The story starts with the point in time when Mrs. Lincoln is confined to an insane asylum. The oldest sister asks the other sisters, closest in age to Mary to come and discuss what they should do. Should they not care for Mary themselves? I like the way the author went back and forth between the past and the present time the story was dealing with. The past would show events with a sister and how they had helped each other or what had divided them, then go back to their present time as that sister tried to decide what to do. Truly a fascinating story. It also shows how the Civil War divided the Todd family between the North and the South and the results that had on their family. Well worth listening to. It really changed my mind about Mary Todd Lincoln and gave me a better understanding of her actions. The narrator made you forget she was but one person reading a book to you, but made it sound like a group of performers. Well done.

3 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Quiet, slow book.

I enjoyed the book but sometimes felt that my mind was drifting as the pace of the personal story seemed slow and ordinary. I appreciated the research and time line work though. It was a good overall summary of Mary Lincoln

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Historical story that showed an interesting perspective.

Great listen! We enjoyed it on a trip that allowed playing it all the way through.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Very interesting story and great narrator.

Very interesting story and great narrator. Alsi listened to Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker by the same author because I liked her that much.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Another Excellent Historical Fiction Piece

Filled with facts, this look into the lives of Mrs. Lincoln and her sisters is very interesting and informative. I think it’s the author’s best yet! If you’re interested in the Lincoln’s, an interesting new look at Lincoln’s last photo sheds even more light on Mrs. Lincoln’s mental health. (The last photograph is a documentary.)
A great reminder of the patience needed when dealing with loved ones who struggle with mental health issues.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Beautifully written and narrated!

Beautifully written, I throughly enjoyed learning about Mary Lincoln and her sisters. The author captures an important time in history and gives the reader a view into the life of the Todd family and the courtship of Mary and Abraham Lincoln. The narrative’s performance was impeccable.

Didn’t really care for this one…

I found it kind of boring.. I normally like Jennifer’s books, but not this one.

Better than Mrs Lincoln’s Dressmaker

The views of some of the sisters was rather eye opening. Well researched with many details I did not know about. I know it’s fiction, but now I need to dig in a little deeper with my own research.