DOC Behind the Scenes in the Lincoln White House: Memoirs of an African-American Seamstress by Elizabeth Keckley in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The fictionalized biography draws heavily on the subject's 19th Century bookBy Mae Beth WilliamsWhat a cast of (TRUE!) characters! Mrs. Keckley is the more interesting character. She deals with the obviously difficult Mrs. Lincoln with grace; compassion and humor. As one reviewer noted; after 39 years as a slave; dealing with difficult owners; Keckley had skills and experience for her interesting relationship with Mrs. Lincoln. In doing research to serve as book club discussion leader; I also discovered that Mrs. Keckley thrived for many years in the most lucrative professions available to nineteenth century women. We learn through the book that Mrs. Keckley was a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Integrity and loyalty are among the many virtues of Mrs. Keckley and in the end; they are her downfall. Some reviewers castigate our author for her detailed descriptions of fashion creation and business building while others praise her descriptions of Washington D.C. for the appreciation of the atmosphere of city during the late 19th century.Judge for yourself when you read this one.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Behind the Scenes......By Tigierlady1412I had first read the book Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly before reading the Behind the Scenes..... Book. If I had read this book first; I probably would have given it a higher rating. Being from IL; near St. Louis; I certainly could identify with both of the women; their history; events and relationship. I found it very sad that Mrs. Keckly's later years were so desolate after her very hard work to free herself from slavery; her successes and her having shared such a close positive relationship for so many years with Mrs. Lincoln; that ended in a distasteful manner on the part of Mrs. Lincoln. No doubt Mrs. Lincoln's contributions to their relationship and her poor mental health contributed to the unfortunate outcome for Mrs. Keckly. I recommend both books; however; please read the Behind the Scenes book first since so much of the information is annotated the other book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Readable; informative; wonderful and so interesting. (Read in 4 days on vacation plane!)By Luchi1012I loved this book. It was fascinating from the start. I was so impressed by Ms. Keckley's vocabulary and fluency. I loved how she expressed herself. Mostly I loved the intimate vignettes of Pres. Lincoln at home with his family. She buys herself out of slavery after several horrifying experiences. She needs to earn a living and pay back the money she borrowed to buy herself and her child. She ends up being Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker. Wonderful to feel you are inside the Lincoln White House. She discusses Mary Todd Lincoln in kind terms; admitting Mrs. Lincoln had some idiosyncrasies. Well done! She describes mannerisms; actions; words of President Lincoln in very personal terms; so you feel close to him. Wish there had been more of that. Her descriptions of his manner and persona were so beautifully done; that when he died in such a horrible way (which we all know); it caught me off guard and I teared up...I am so glad she was able to become literate at a time when many slaves weren't allowed that luxury. I am glad she put these experiences down on paper...it was part of her efforts to be financially independent...sewing in the daytime; and writing at night. An admirable lady.