Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

[An] enlightening new historical novel...Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker vividly imagines how the Civil War touched daily life in Washington. — The Washingtonian Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker ... Read more »

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker is a wonderful novel...Jennifer Chiaverini has researched her history well, and writes elegantly and formally. The perspective is third-person and emphasizes the historical and real over image and gossip. The novel paints a broad picture of what ... Read more »

3 out of 4 stars. If you saw Steven Spielberg's Lincoln and wondered about the black woman who sits next to Mary Todd Lincoln (played by Sally Field) up in the Congressional balcony, here's your book. A former slave, Elizabeth Keckley was a remarkably gifted ... Read more »

Especially good winter reading. — Detroit Free Press Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker ... Read more »

Chiaverini has drawn a loving portrait of a complex and gifted woman. — St. Louis Post-Dispatch Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker ... Read more »

Chiaverini steps away from her popular "Elm Creek Quilts" series to explore this relationship in this absorbing stand-alone historical novel. Taking readers through times of war and peace as seen through the eyes of an extraordinary woman, the author brings Civil War ... Read more »

Chiaverini’s latest is based on the true story of Elizabeth Keckley, who bought freedom from slavery for herself and her son and went on to become a well-known modiste in Washington. Keckley had a front-row seat to history: she dressed Washington’s A-list, ... Read more »

A compelling fictional account of Keckley’s life. — Bookpage Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker ... Read more »

Nuanced... a welcome historical. — Publishers Weekly Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker ... Read more »

All the characters are brilliantly written, and readers will enjoy getting to know each and every one of them. [Chiaverini] brings to life long-forgotten snapshots of America’s past with style, grace and respect. — RT Book Reviews Mrs. Lincoln’s ... Read more »