The First Lady and the Rebel is award-winning author Susan Higginbotham’s, latest novel. A captivating and powerful book that captures the sisterly relationship of Mary Todd Lincoln and her sister, Emily Todd Helm, wife of a Confederate general.
The author has created a compelling dual narration, that gives us an intimate look into the lives of two of the most notable woman in civil war history.
1839, Mary Todd travels from her home in Lexington, Ky., for an extended visit with her married sister, Elizabeth Edwards, in Springfield, Ill. Elizabeth’s house drew everyone of of importance in Springfield. A luxurious mansion, that held Sunday parties where the best educated society of Springfield gathered.
A chance encounter with a quiet and reserved gentlemen Mr Abraham Lincoln, He captures Mary’s attention right from the start with his intellectual face. Mary’s passion for politics and her unladylike ways of saying what she thought. Seeks every opportunity to engage Mr Lincoln. After the on again off again dramatics the two eventually do marry.
Soon after Mr. Abraham Lincoln is elected president, The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 caused seven southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America. With impending war just on the horizon Mr Lincoln extends an offer of Union Army Paymaster to his brother-in-law, Hardin Helm, who is married to Mary’s younger sister, Emily. Hardin declines the job and offers his services to Jefferson Davis and the Confederate States, where he was initially a colonel and later promoted to brigadier general. Helm commanded the 1st Kentucky Brigade.
Like so many torn families during The Civil War the Todd sisters were divided my family and state-loyalties along with moral and politics beliefs. Steadfast in their loyalty to their husbands, who both become tragic victims to the war. The once close relationship the sisters shared is shattered and broken as War rages through the country. This immensely character driven book, I enjoyed every page in this richly detailed period piece of historical fiction . The author skillfully leads the reader right from the first page all the way through to end heart rendering ending.
Emily Todd Hardin along with her children, like so many dedicated woman, became nomadic, moving from one encampment to another in constant fear that her husband would be wounded or killed in battle.
This was a perfect read for me. Both historical true and well researched. Higginbotham, once again delivers in immersive and deeply moving novel.