Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker is an interesting novel written from the perspective of Elizabeth Keckley, a popular nineteenth-century dressmaker. Keckley, a former slave, provides a behind-the-scenes look into the tumultous years of the Civil War and the toll they took on the First Family. While Dressmaker comes across as a honest portrayal of the Lincoln family, New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini includes too many historical facts and not enough dialogue between characters. I did appreciate learning what happened to the remainder of Lincoln’s loved ones after his assassination. Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker is a well-researched book perfect for those wanting to learn more about our nation’s history.
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 8 religious exclamations; 5 mild obscenities; 1 derogatory name.
Violence/Gore: Numerous secondhand reports of violence involving the Civil War, Lincoln’s assassination, mobs, riots, beatings and a carriage accident. A character is hit on the head. In two non-detailed scenes of violent death, characters are shot and killed.
Sex/Nudity: Several implied or reported incidents of sexual activity involving rape.
Mature Subject Matter:
War, death of a loved one, financial stress, slavery and racial prejudice
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Several characters drink; a few men are described as “drunken”, including the Vice President.
