An Unlikely Friendship : A Novel of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, by Ann Rinaldi

An Unlikely Friendship, by Ann Rinaldi, tells the story of Mary Todd, President Lincoln’s wife, and Lizzy, a mulato child that learns through hardship how to live as a slave. Mary Todd has a privilege, but controlled upbringing in Kentucky with an array of siblings, attentive mother name Sally, an affectionate but a look father, and a proud, devoted grandmother help her to cope with a critical and harsh grandmother. In contrast, Lizzy is a slave that buys her freedoms and has established herself as a renowned dressmaker. Lizzy and Mary become very good friends until the end.

This book was awesome. It even made me cry of how harsh Lizzy was treated. I also love the story of a born friendship between two women whose backgrounds were totally different. I recommend this book to everyone who like drama, women especially.


-Anonymous, grade 9.