Behind the Scenes


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.2 stars; 19 reviews)

This is the autobiography of Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave who bought her freedom with the money she earned as a seamstress. She eventually worked for Mary Lincoln. It is a fascinating book, filled with many recollections of her own life and her interactions with the Lincolns and other members of the government elite. (summary by Guero) (6 hr 7 min)

Chapters

Preface 8:58 Read by Laura Victoria
Ch. 1 - Where I was Born 20:05 Read by Beverly Scott
Ch. 2 - Girlhood and its Sorrows 12:00 Read by Becky Cook
Ch. 3 - How I Gained My Freedom 19:37 Read by ashleighjane
Ch. 4 - In the Family of Senator Jefferson Davis 13:40 Read by Ruth Kidson
Ch. 5 - My Introduction to Mrs. Lincoln 14:49 Read by Ruth Kidson
Ch. 6 - Willie Lincoln's Death-Bed 17:51 Read by ashleighjane
Ch. 7 - Washington 1862-3 14:23 Read by ashleighjane
Ch. 8 - Candid Opinions 14:12 Read by Jill Preston
Ch. 9 - Behind the Scenes 13:24 Read by Edith van der Have-Raats
Ch. 10 - The Second Inauguration 22:18 Read by Linda Velwest
Ch. 11 - The Assassination of President Lincoln 29:29 Read by Guero
Ch. 12 - Mrs. Lincoln Leaves the White House 27:18 Read by Guero
Ch. 13 - Origin of the Rivalry btwn. Mr. Douglas & Mr. Lincoln 12:19 Read by Beverly Scott
Ch. 14 - Old Friends 26:26 Read by Becky Cook
Ch. 15 Part 1 - Secret History of Mrs. Lincoln's Wardrobe in New York 33:24 Read by Bridget Gaige
Ch. 15 Part 2 - Secret History of Mrs. Lincoln's Wardrobe in New York 28:42 Read by Bridget Gaige
Appendix - Letters from Mrs. Lincoln to Mrs. Keckley 38:44 Read by Michelle Day

Reviews


(4 stars)

This book is excellent. Full of personal stories about the Lincolns, revealing much about their characters and relationships with one another, and experience in the White House from a dear friend and astute observer, Mrs. Elizabeth Keckley. Readers ability to tell the story varies from excellent to poor.

this book is great, but deserves better readings


(2.5 stars)

Becky cook’s chapters, for instance, is full of pauses where the reader stops to take deep breaths. Should’ve paused the recording or cut those moments out. Really distracting!


(4.5 stars)

great behind the scenes story. i also understand the contriversal concern regarding the breach of confidence

can you just let one person read the book? chapter 1 was good.


(2 stars)


(5 stars)

very interesting historical account. each reader was excellent.

BEHIND THE SCENES


(2.5 stars)

GOOD READING ......BOOK ITSELF!!!