Mary

Fiction by Janis Cooke Newman.


http://www.barnesandnoble.com

This is a good fictionalized account of the life of Abraham Lincoln's wife. Somewhat like Philippa Gregory, this author possesses that rare talent which can make the long-dead breathe again. I enjoyed feeling like I was actually getting to know the real Mary Todd Lincoln.

She was not just a crazy lady, as history likes to dismiss her. In fact, I developed so much empathy for Mary it was difficult to read sometimes, knowing the life tragedies coming for her.

One drawback to this novel is its length, a full 700 pages. But I can tell you from experience: carrying about a book of such girth can make you appear much more intelligent; although, to be fair, sometimes you just look like a weirdo, depending on the audience.