Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini

Title: Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Published: 2020

Call #: FIC/Chiaverini

http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=chiaverini&title=mrs+lincoln's

     Fans of Jennifer Chiaverini will not be disappointed in her latest historical fiction novel, Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters.  A sequel of sorts to Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker,  this story features Mary Todd Lincoln and her sisters Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie.   It begins with eldest sister Elizabeth Todd Edwards receiving news that her long estranged sister, Mary Todd Lincoln, has been declared insane and is being committed to a mental institution in Batavia, Illinois.   Elizabeth immediately thinks to care for Mary at home and discusses the situation with her other sisters.  Frances, Ann and Emilie are not as enthusiastic about the situation, partially due to their estrangement and because they believe Mary may be exaggerating her illness for attention.  As accounts of what is occurring pour in from various sources, the sisters try to get to the truth of the situation, as they are receiving wildly different accounts of Mary's situation.   The story is told using alternating chapters between the sisters, although Mary's voice is silent throughout the book except in flashbacks.  The most poignant chapters often involve the Civil War and the fact the family is separated by political beliefs.  Several members of the Todd family remain loyal to the South, others with North.  

As with many of Chiaverini's novels, this is a great work of historical fiction.  The writing is descriptive, with the story seamlessly woven between the sisters.  I recommend this book to fans of Chiaverini and historical fiction readers.  It is well worth the read as it allows the reader to get a glimpse of how her past made Mary Todd Lincoln the woman she became.  

Jill B.

Popular Materials Manager