What do you think?
Rate this book
Love is Eternal
A biographical novel of Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
32 people are currently reading
1860 people want to read
About the author
Irving Stone
153 books1,470 followersIn 1923, Stone received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, Stone received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Southern California, where he had previously earned a Masters Degree from the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 24, 2019
یک کتاب خسته کننده به سبک معمول نوشتن آقای اروینگ استون . عشق جاوید است هم به سبک کتاب قبلی که از آقای استون خوانده ام (شور هستی ) سرشار است از انبوه جزئیات ، هر جا هر شخصیتی وارد داستان می شود نویسنده چنان از سر صبر و حوصله به توصیف ظاهر و قیافه و هیکل و اندام و لباسی که پوشیده می پردازد که خواننده ( مثله من ) با خود فکر میکند که اصلا به من چه ! تازه هنوز شرح ظاهری طرف تمام نشده که نوبت به وصف صدای طرف می رسد این که یک نفر تو دماغی صحبت می کند ، آن یکی صدای بم دارد ، یکی روی حرف س خیلی تاکید دارد ! بعد به انواع غذا می رسیم ! این که گوشت سرد را کی باید خورد و بوقلمون را کی ! خلاصه نصفه کتاب با این جزئیات پر شده . اما داستان از نگاه ماری تاد همسر آبراهام لینکلن روایت می شود . این که چی ماری می پوشه و چی فکر میکنه و رابطه اش با مردم چگونه است هم حتما به اندیشه های آبراهام ارجحیت دارد ! متاسفانه کتاب داستان جذاب یکی از بزرگترین انسانهای دوران را فراموش کرده و به انبوه جزئیات خسته کننده پرداخته ، تنها چیزی که به خواننده در مورد آبراهام گفته میشود مخالفت او با برده داری ایست . اگر می خواهید بدانید که زندگی در آمریکای قرن نوزده چگونه بوده و علاقه ای به شناخت آبراهام ندارید کتاب خوبی است ! اما اگر به شناختن آبراهام علاقه مند هستید و مایل به دانستن چگونگی ایجاد پایه های مستحکم دموکراسی در آمریکا هستید باید کتاب دیگری را بخوانید . (البته من هنوز چنین کتابی را نخوانده ام ) . خلاصه پس از ترور مردان بزرگی مثله آبراهام لینکلن بود که نوبت به قدرت گرفتن افراد حقیری مثله دونالد رسید
July 30, 2010
Mary Todd Lincoln always seemed a dour woman in the background from a historical perspective. However, this book depicts an intelligent woman prevented from achieving her full potential by conventions of the time period and circumstances. Though Lincoln would not allow her to make use of her political contacts, she could and did give input on Lincoln's ideas and speeches, in addition to providing a safe haven for him when he needed it. In spite of suffering from skull fracture as a result of a carriage accident, being tormented by society as to her status in their marriage, losing a child, and being accused of treason while Lincoln was president, she remained Lincoln's touchstone to the day he was assassinated. I took my time finishing the book, though, because I knew how it would end for these two remarkable people.
June 5, 2018
This is a very readable novel detailing the lives of Mr. and Mrs. “President” Lincoln told from the perspective of Mary Todd Lincoln. It begins with her as a eligible young lady pursued by many in her hometown in Kentucky and continues as she travels to Springfield , Illinois where she stays with her married sister and family and where she meets Abraham. It continues with the years of their many political failures and their few successes during which she always encouraged his continuing the quest as she seemed to see his potential for leadership, in essence his destiny. And it goes into their years in the White House ending after his assassination. It also details all of the family tragedy and the national crisis years during the Civil War.
It is well done and very well researched for authenticity; however, it was published first in 1954 and does at times feel a bit dated.
It is well done and very well researched for authenticity; however, it was published first in 1954 and does at times feel a bit dated.
March 12, 2009
Irving Stone is quickly becoming a favorite author. Never a great fan of reading history just for the sake of reading it, Stone brings history to life by using the historical fiction genre and providing interesting dialogue. I didn't know much about the Lincolns when I started reading this, other than what they teach in school. It was indeed sad how Abraham Lincoln struggled with melancholy and depression, but I found it amazing how he recognized it and usually worked himself through it. Despite her somewhat brusque and often misinterpreted manner, Mary Todd was a huge part of his victories while struggling herself with loss and tragedy. A remarkable couple living and changing our world during a remarkable time in our history.
June 17, 2015
Interessante Leben in das so gar nicht luxuriöses Leben von Abraham Lincoln und seiner Frau.
June 2, 2022
This is fiction, but it is not a light read, which isn't surprising given that Irving Stone is the author. He provides a lengthy Bibliography and a brief Epilogue about Lincoln's wife, which begins, "Mary Todd Lincoln is probably the single most reviled woman in American history." This explains, I believe, why she is the focus of the story rather than her husband.
I marked quite a few passages, some referring to time and place, many about historical details. This is the third passage I noted (p 23):
That night [Mary] was put to sleep in her grandmother's house, and awakened to the sound of weeping. She ran to the window and saw that pillowcases had been hung on the clothesline in the back yard. That meant someone was dead.
Really!? I suppose that if other pieces of laundry were also on the line, the pillowcases wouldn't have any significance.
Last month I read the bio for boys about Lincoln written by Helen Nicolay. Her story is a glowing one, describing a saint who also happened to be a genius, and who encountered minimal trouble during his presidency. This fictional bio is much more realistic.
I marked quite a few passages, some referring to time and place, many about historical details. This is the third passage I noted (p 23):
That night [Mary] was put to sleep in her grandmother's house, and awakened to the sound of weeping. She ran to the window and saw that pillowcases had been hung on the clothesline in the back yard. That meant someone was dead.
Really!? I suppose that if other pieces of laundry were also on the line, the pillowcases wouldn't have any significance.
Last month I read the bio for boys about Lincoln written by Helen Nicolay. Her story is a glowing one, describing a saint who also happened to be a genius, and who encountered minimal trouble during his presidency. This fictional bio is much more realistic.
June 26, 2008
I found this book extremely interesting. I didn't know anything at all about Abraham Lincoln's wife or children. I really enjoyed the book, even though Mary wasn't a character I loved. But it's always interesting to learn about real people and their struggles. And once you learn more of their personal struggles, you can understand their actions so much better. For any history lover, this is a must-read.
October 7, 2025
One of the best books about Mary Todd Lincoln on the market. Written by Irving Stone, who does extensive research on his subjects and produces a book that will teach you more than you might learn in a biography. Mary Todd Lincoln was not the mental case that so many would have you believe nowadays. I don't believe she was mentally ill in any way, I believe she was outspoken, well-educated, assertive, and intelligent, and in the 1800's, this was considered a handicap and socially unacceptable. Women were not allowed to own property, or to vote, and had to be subservient to their husbands, no matter how the husband treated her. Women were expected to be quiet, timid, and stupid.
Irving Stone finally relieved Mrs. Lincoln of the lies told about her, in this exquisitely written historical fiction-biography of her. If you have even an inkling of interest in Abraham Lincoln, read this book. You will learn so much about the 16th president of the United States of America, and about his lovely wife and his children, and about the struggles Lincoln grappled with during his presidency. I truly recommend this book to you.
Irving Stone finally relieved Mrs. Lincoln of the lies told about her, in this exquisitely written historical fiction-biography of her. If you have even an inkling of interest in Abraham Lincoln, read this book. You will learn so much about the 16th president of the United States of America, and about his lovely wife and his children, and about the struggles Lincoln grappled with during his presidency. I truly recommend this book to you.
July 3, 2021
Young Mary Todd was beautiful, rich, and charming, and she had a lot of suitors. Her family and friends were aghast, then, when she became interested in an awkward, poor, and downright ugly young man who was practicing law. What could she possibly see in him? Potential, maybe? At any rate, she loved him, and he loved her too, and they were married. She encouraged him in his political aspirations, in spite of nearly constant failure. She talked him out of his depressions and watched over his health. She spent money, too–lots of it, to his utter horror. But she opened a new world for him, and he finally learned to enjoy living well. As president and first lady they finally reached the pinnacle of their ambitions, but tragedy stalked them. And the ultimate tragedy at Ford’s Theater left Mary wondering if their love could somehow continue beyond death. After all, he had inscribed in her wedding ring, “Love is Eternal.” This book is somber, and long, and depressing in places, but it opened my eyes to the Lincolns.
May 17, 2019
In a book club, we were to read a book published in the year we were born. I chose Love is Eternal, a historical fiction book about Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. I loved it when I was 16 and I loved it now. So romantic. Makes me doubly sad that Lincoln was assassinated. What a great man. But they were both crippled by depression.
Want to read
July 12, 2021عشق جاويد است
ايروينگ استون
ترجمه عباس آريانپورکاشاني
تهران اميرکبير، ۱۳۴
صفحه ۴۹۳
ايروينگ استون
ترجمه عباس آريانپورکاشاني
تهران اميرکبير، ۱۳۴
صفحه ۴۹۳
September 5, 2009
For some reason this was a very slow book for me to read. I get frustrated with historical fiction sometimes because I like to have the historical parts separated from the authors ideas of what may have taken place or what may have been said. I think that I prefer David McCullogh when reading history. That said, however, I did make it through the book, and felt such sorrow for the Lincoln's through all of their lives and for the nation during the Civil War years. It is interesting to review all the hatred that was exhibited towards them and compare it to how Abraham is now regarded so highly by Americans. I think it's tough to not be popular.....don't we all want to be liked by others? It seems that it was very tough on Mary. I didn't realize that her life would continue to be so hard even after his assasination. It wasn't in the book but I was curious and so continued to find out what happened to her and their children. A very sad life. Finally, I was surprised at how emotional I became when discussing this book, the Civil War and the Book of Mormon with Scott. To realize that Abraham was where he needed to be at that time and even with all his shortcomings and "hypo's", played a crucial role in our nation, is a testimony to me that we all have a role to play and that God is watching over us.
December 30, 2011
Wow- this one took me a while, didn't it? Nevertheless, I LOVED it! I love the idea of historical fiction, and this book seemed more history than fiction, which is a good thing in my opinion. However, that made the story a little less gripping, hence the long reading time.
The picture this book paints of Abraham Lincoln is nothing short of breathtaking. We see his faults, his virtues, his frustrations, his failures, and his successes. I had never studied more than cold facts about what Lincoln did, but this book opened my eyes to how truly great of a man he was. Incredible.
I knew absolutely nothing about Mary Todd Lincoln, and this book definitely does her justice. She has become one of my heroes. I will continue to learn more about both her and Mr. Lincoln.
Do I suggest this novel? You bet! Especially to those supporting "Abraham Lincoln- Vampire Hunter." Come on! This man doesn't need any more fantasies to build him up as a hero. He was one. I will forever respect and admire him, and I want everyone to read this book, so they might do the same.
The picture this book paints of Abraham Lincoln is nothing short of breathtaking. We see his faults, his virtues, his frustrations, his failures, and his successes. I had never studied more than cold facts about what Lincoln did, but this book opened my eyes to how truly great of a man he was. Incredible.
I knew absolutely nothing about Mary Todd Lincoln, and this book definitely does her justice. She has become one of my heroes. I will continue to learn more about both her and Mr. Lincoln.
Do I suggest this novel? You bet! Especially to those supporting "Abraham Lincoln- Vampire Hunter." Come on! This man doesn't need any more fantasies to build him up as a hero. He was one. I will forever respect and admire him, and I want everyone to read this book, so they might do the same.
January 7, 2011
I enjoyed this book! I really liked learning about Mary Todd Lincoln and the personal issues of Abraham as well. The book also gave great political context to the situations leading up to the civil war as well, and I found that interesting as I have forgotten a lot of the history. The book really made we want to re-study that time period more. One thing I really appreciated was the attention to family dynamics; I have heard many biographers discuss Mary Todd in less than favorable light, while making Abraham out to be saint, and I felt this story was much more fair. BOTH parties had their own issues, albeit different, that greatly contributed to the troubles of the other. That being said, I love the title and the overarching theme, Love is Eternal, as it does sum up their relationship well. The book is long and can get tiresome at times, but I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the time period, the life of Abraham Lincoln, or just relationships in general.
March 19, 2008
I first read this book when I was 17 years old. I was given an old hard copy of it a year or so ago. I just finished it last week.
This is the love story of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. It is wonderful. I love the history that is blended into the story. It is historically accurate, as Mr. Stone used old letters and journals to create the dialog.
It is a timeless love story that is especially poignant, becasue we all know how the story ended. I cried as if I had no idea what was coming.
One of my all time favorites.
This is the love story of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. It is wonderful. I love the history that is blended into the story. It is historically accurate, as Mr. Stone used old letters and journals to create the dialog.
It is a timeless love story that is especially poignant, becasue we all know how the story ended. I cried as if I had no idea what was coming.
One of my all time favorites.
December 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me more insight into the lives of Mary and Abraham Lincoln. I had no idea how much they endured and went through in their lives. Even though I knew the ending, it was well enough written to make me emotional about it.
June 1, 2014
Irving Stone's book called, Love Is Eternal impacted me with its extremely love story. For example, this story is about a marriage and romance love about Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln and how Abraham engraved his name on Mary's soon to be marriage ring. Sometimes people fall in love with the materialistic side of a guy and not with the real love that, that person has for you. I think that looks, money, or anything else matters in a guy or a girl I think all that matters is their heart and how they treat you. Some people have been hurt in the past and that is why people sometimes suffer in a relationship therefore, it is better to not pay close attention to looks from the outside but who they really are in the inside.
Imagine marrying someone who you see as someone that just interests you because of their outside looks. This story talks about love, grief, devotion, and misery and it describes a romantic love story between Mary and Abraham. This book impacts people who really love a person and is there for that person at all times and it teaches a lesson in life that if you love a person very much you will be capable to do anything for them. It teaches many people a lesson because sometimes people just like to use other people because of their money and things that they have. Just imagine someone steeling your identity and finding out that it was your husband or wife how would you feel if that happened to you? Maybe just think about you being cheated on by your partner how would that feel? Well in this story Mary and Abraham's relationship and love story is all about respect between them.
The author's style catches your attention because Irving describes briefly the feelings of both of these characters and how their love for each other is being expressed between this story. What I like about this book is that it this story is a love story and because many things like their life really happens in my life as well. It is not funny or humorous it is actually really serious and with much love affection put into the story it gives all its energy and sense of love throughout the whole story and throughout the characters. Yes, it gives me a sense of where this place would take place at for example, just them talking to themselves in a quiet and peaceful place. Irving's Stone's voice is like a harmony, he talks with such a calm and soft voice that makes you feel like your taking place in this story. The authors voice is unique because it this is a real love story and not all love stories make you feel part of it.
Abraham Lincoln is Mary Todd's husband and he is in love with her so much, he is also going to be a president during the story. Mary Todd is in love with Abraham and is surprised when she finds out that they are getting married and that Abraham engraved his name on her wedding ring. The writer does make me believe in them as people because I know that Abraham was one of the United States president and who wouldn't be amazed and happy with their husbands name engraved on their wedding ring because everyone deserves their future. I like the characters in this story because they both are so passionate and loving towards each other and it just amazes me when there is true love like that and where they treat each other with respect. For example, this was while they first met, "Miss Todd, I want to dance with you the worst way." That is where they fell in love with each other even if she was 21 and he was 30 years old age for them didn't matter what matter was their love for each other. Imagine not being able to tell everyone your getting married or invite anyone to your wedding, well this is what happened with them. Mary and Abraham did not want to have a big wedding and so they wanted to keep this surprise as quiet and simple as possible.
The setting of this story takes place in Springfield, Illinois during 1839. This compares to the world i know because people once they fall in love they do everything possible to be with their loved one and they spent much time together. The author does make me feel part of the setting because this love story is like if it was happening to me. Yes, if I close my eyes I can picture the story's setting because it seems so calm how it is just them two in their own little place alone together loving each other throughout the days. Imagine being with your loved one right at this point or just seeing the feeling of you getting married like wouldn't you feel like it is only you two in the world, I would feel that way and I wouldn't pay any attention to the out world and the people. Imagine just being with your loved one and sitting right next to each other on a bench in the park wouldn't you feel loved?
Mary and Abraham met once Mary moved to Springfield she then met Abraham and they went out on date. They got engaged but then broke up for sometime but went back together and so Abraham bought her a gold ring and engraved some words on the ring and some of the words where "Love Is Eternal". None of them wanted a big wedding so they decided to have a quiet ceremony at the home of Reverend Charles N. Dresser and the Episcopal minister. Lincoln after the wedding purchased a home which was Reverend's home. About 30 of their relatives did show up to the wedding because of Reverend so it wasn't too quiet at all after all. A week after the wedding Lincoln wrote a letter to his friend talking about legal matters and how his marrying was a matter of profound wonder to him.
Like I said before this book has it's own unique type of story and no this cannot be connected with any other story or book because each story is unique in their own way and this book is based on a real story and that is what makes it seem unique and realistic. Yes, this book relates to current events or issues because things like this still happen in real life and there is many people who still act like this with their loved ones. Yes, this book does relate and connect with me on a personal level because I have been trough something like this before where I just want to spend time with the person I love and don't want to leave sides with. Just imagine being with someone that you truly love and you want to be with at all times, or maybe just wanting to be best friends with them so you can get all the advice in the world that you'll needing.
I recommend this book to those people out there who are in love and who have a soft and caring heart. I think this book will be great for people who are having difficulties in their love life or in their relationship. I also recommend this book to anyone in the world who beliefs that true love doesn't exist to them because I am sure that if you read this book you will fall in love and you will soon realize what love really is and how it can be find the right way trough someone that you feel is the right one for you. Just imagine being with someone that you love with all your heart and that you are willing to spend a life time with, just you two...
Imagine marrying someone who you see as someone that just interests you because of their outside looks. This story talks about love, grief, devotion, and misery and it describes a romantic love story between Mary and Abraham. This book impacts people who really love a person and is there for that person at all times and it teaches a lesson in life that if you love a person very much you will be capable to do anything for them. It teaches many people a lesson because sometimes people just like to use other people because of their money and things that they have. Just imagine someone steeling your identity and finding out that it was your husband or wife how would you feel if that happened to you? Maybe just think about you being cheated on by your partner how would that feel? Well in this story Mary and Abraham's relationship and love story is all about respect between them.
The author's style catches your attention because Irving describes briefly the feelings of both of these characters and how their love for each other is being expressed between this story. What I like about this book is that it this story is a love story and because many things like their life really happens in my life as well. It is not funny or humorous it is actually really serious and with much love affection put into the story it gives all its energy and sense of love throughout the whole story and throughout the characters. Yes, it gives me a sense of where this place would take place at for example, just them talking to themselves in a quiet and peaceful place. Irving's Stone's voice is like a harmony, he talks with such a calm and soft voice that makes you feel like your taking place in this story. The authors voice is unique because it this is a real love story and not all love stories make you feel part of it.
Abraham Lincoln is Mary Todd's husband and he is in love with her so much, he is also going to be a president during the story. Mary Todd is in love with Abraham and is surprised when she finds out that they are getting married and that Abraham engraved his name on her wedding ring. The writer does make me believe in them as people because I know that Abraham was one of the United States president and who wouldn't be amazed and happy with their husbands name engraved on their wedding ring because everyone deserves their future. I like the characters in this story because they both are so passionate and loving towards each other and it just amazes me when there is true love like that and where they treat each other with respect. For example, this was while they first met, "Miss Todd, I want to dance with you the worst way." That is where they fell in love with each other even if she was 21 and he was 30 years old age for them didn't matter what matter was their love for each other. Imagine not being able to tell everyone your getting married or invite anyone to your wedding, well this is what happened with them. Mary and Abraham did not want to have a big wedding and so they wanted to keep this surprise as quiet and simple as possible.
The setting of this story takes place in Springfield, Illinois during 1839. This compares to the world i know because people once they fall in love they do everything possible to be with their loved one and they spent much time together. The author does make me feel part of the setting because this love story is like if it was happening to me. Yes, if I close my eyes I can picture the story's setting because it seems so calm how it is just them two in their own little place alone together loving each other throughout the days. Imagine being with your loved one right at this point or just seeing the feeling of you getting married like wouldn't you feel like it is only you two in the world, I would feel that way and I wouldn't pay any attention to the out world and the people. Imagine just being with your loved one and sitting right next to each other on a bench in the park wouldn't you feel loved?
Mary and Abraham met once Mary moved to Springfield she then met Abraham and they went out on date. They got engaged but then broke up for sometime but went back together and so Abraham bought her a gold ring and engraved some words on the ring and some of the words where "Love Is Eternal". None of them wanted a big wedding so they decided to have a quiet ceremony at the home of Reverend Charles N. Dresser and the Episcopal minister. Lincoln after the wedding purchased a home which was Reverend's home. About 30 of their relatives did show up to the wedding because of Reverend so it wasn't too quiet at all after all. A week after the wedding Lincoln wrote a letter to his friend talking about legal matters and how his marrying was a matter of profound wonder to him.
Like I said before this book has it's own unique type of story and no this cannot be connected with any other story or book because each story is unique in their own way and this book is based on a real story and that is what makes it seem unique and realistic. Yes, this book relates to current events or issues because things like this still happen in real life and there is many people who still act like this with their loved ones. Yes, this book does relate and connect with me on a personal level because I have been trough something like this before where I just want to spend time with the person I love and don't want to leave sides with. Just imagine being with someone that you truly love and you want to be with at all times, or maybe just wanting to be best friends with them so you can get all the advice in the world that you'll needing.
I recommend this book to those people out there who are in love and who have a soft and caring heart. I think this book will be great for people who are having difficulties in their love life or in their relationship. I also recommend this book to anyone in the world who beliefs that true love doesn't exist to them because I am sure that if you read this book you will fall in love and you will soon realize what love really is and how it can be find the right way trough someone that you feel is the right one for you. Just imagine being with someone that you love with all your heart and that you are willing to spend a life time with, just you two...
August 11, 2017
This was a pretty good book. I was already knowledgeable about Mary Todd Lincoln's life, so there was nothing new to me and I didn't learn anything, but I didn't expect to. It did a good job of ascribing motivation to that behavior of Mary's that seems extreme and unflattering to her, although of course her motivations in this novel are speculations and not historical fact. Speculations in an historical novel are perfectly fine. My one big problem with this book: Throughout, Lincoln is referred to as "Abraham" and Mary calls him "Abraham". Other people in the book also call him "Abraham". In reality, once he reached adulthood, nobody called Abraham Lincoln either Abraham or Abe. Men always called him "Lincoln", women called him "Mr. Lincoln" and Mary called him either "Mr. Lincoln" or "Father". She never ever called him "Abraham". I know it seems weird to us now that a woman would call her husband "Mr." followed by his last name, but it was common in Victorian times. This was a well-researched book, and research would have apprised the author of this, so I don't understand why the author didn't discover this and write the book accordingly It was jarring to me. Otherwise, a good book.
September 30, 2017
Love is Eternal is historical fiction and tells the story of Abe & Mary Lincoln through Mary's eyes. It tells of the time from when they met through his assassination. Mary was a complex woman, with a goal of living in the White House from a very young age. She was at times enchanting, supporting, shrewish and driven. Abraham Lincoln is always shown as such a big character that Mary is often overshadowed, but she was very much involved in both his political and personal life.
While I know this book isn't 100% accurate it was interesting to see how there life evolved from when they met through to the Presidency. They had extreme lows and highs emotionally throughout there lives and I thought they were portrayed well in the book.
I will admit, I was ready for the book to be over well before it was. There were parts that dragged and it is a politically based story and politics can become a bit of a dull read.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and the incite into Mary Todd Lincoln. I had hoped to see more of what became of her after the president died but that would be my only real complaint.
While I know this book isn't 100% accurate it was interesting to see how there life evolved from when they met through to the Presidency. They had extreme lows and highs emotionally throughout there lives and I thought they were portrayed well in the book.
I will admit, I was ready for the book to be over well before it was. There were parts that dragged and it is a politically based story and politics can become a bit of a dull read.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and the incite into Mary Todd Lincoln. I had hoped to see more of what became of her after the president died but that would be my only real complaint.
December 20, 2018
This is the second time I read this novel. Loved it the first time, bored and frustrated the second.
What I liked both times: 1) the research was amazing. Details of the dresses Mary Todd Lincoln wore, recorded conversations from numerous diaries and newspapers and descriptions of her surroundings.
2) conversations that seemed as though they were true (though sometimes stilted) between and Abraham.
What I did not like. Tedious descriptions of the war - where the troops were and defeats of the war. Some was necessary but I thought it was too much. This time I thought that I could not get a read on her real character. Sometimes she is too frazzled and others she is strong. Perhaps that was true and certainly she had unbelievable stress on her but it did seem as evident with this read.
Still a very interesting novel.
note - very hard to get but can be found at Thrift books and other used book sources.
What I liked both times: 1) the research was amazing. Details of the dresses Mary Todd Lincoln wore, recorded conversations from numerous diaries and newspapers and descriptions of her surroundings.
2) conversations that seemed as though they were true (though sometimes stilted) between and Abraham.
What I did not like. Tedious descriptions of the war - where the troops were and defeats of the war. Some was necessary but I thought it was too much. This time I thought that I could not get a read on her real character. Sometimes she is too frazzled and others she is strong. Perhaps that was true and certainly she had unbelievable stress on her but it did seem as evident with this read.
Still a very interesting novel.
note - very hard to get but can be found at Thrift books and other used book sources.
April 19, 2022
Many tears were shed during the reading of this book. The Lincolns lived such hard lives, but boy do I admire them for what they accomplished. All anyone seems to know about Mary Lincoln these days is that she was crazy and that she spent money like crazy too. But I'm reality she was such a complicated and yet relatable woman. I learned so much about her, about Abraham, about their relationship, and about Civil War history, but it read like a novel and sometimes I couldn't put it down.
September 4, 2020
For history buffs, this book puts you right in the midst of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln’s life. After visiting Springfield, Illinois and seeing the places where the Lincolns lived, reading this brings a historical time in our country to life. By the end I so wanted a different ending for this family that suffered many devastating losses. Unfortunately, history can not be changed.
June 2, 2017
This story showed a whole new side of Abraham Lincoln! He is way different in the book then I thought he would be. It was a story that showed how hard he tried to do the best he could. It was a more challenging read, but I would read it again.
November 5, 2018
Read while a teen but still remember the wonderful story. It's really a bio of Mary Todd Lincoln rather than Abraham but of course includes the history of her husband's career. Thought about it while considering the books in the Great American Read - should have been there.
August 22, 2019
This is the best book I have read portraying the life of Mary Todd Lincoln. I believe ti reveals a more balanced insight into the family relations. They lived during one of the most difficult times of our Nation.
September 1, 2019
What a great story! I'm really glad I read this book. Mary Todd was fierce! At times, I got a bit lost with all the names, but other than that, it's written beautifully and gives us great insight into their love story.
December 2, 2023
I read this book many years ago as a teenager. I've always enjoyed history,but Irving Stone is a wonderful historic fiction writer. This story of Mary and Abraham Lincoln made them both come alive for me. Their struggles, wins, heartaches, awkwardness, and sometimes audacity drew me in.
October 2, 2024
This was an amazing book about the lives of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln- their upbringings and marriage, then disappointments, losses, struggles, and victories within their continual love for each other.
February 6, 2018
Out of print - found a used copy. Story of Mary Todd Lincoln. Very much enjoyed.
‘May I more graciously accept MY small trials.’
‘May I more graciously accept MY small trials.’
February 22, 2018
Excellently written. Presents Mary Todd Lincoln in an entirely new way. She was the polish on that "Rough Diamond".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews