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Courting Mr. Lincoln
From the prizewinning author of Mr. Timothy and The Pale Blue Eye comes Courting Mr. Lincoln, the page-turning and surprising story of a young Abraham Lincoln and the two people who loved him best: a sparky, marriageable Mary Todd and Lincoln’s best friend, Joshua Speed.
When Mary Todd meets Abraham Lincoln in Springfield in the winter of 1840, he is on no one's shortlist to be president. Rough and reticent, he’s a country lawyer lacking money and manners, living above a dry goods shop, but with a gift for oratory. Mary, a quick, self-possessed debutante with a tireless interest in debates and elections, at first finds him an enigma. “I can only hope,” she tells his roommate, the handsome, charming Joshua Speed, “that his waters being so very still, they also run deep.”
It’s not long, though, before she sees the Lincoln that Speed knows: a man who, despite his awkwardness, is amiable and profound, with a gentle wit to match his genius and a respect for her keen political mind. But as her relationship with Lincoln deepens, she must confront his inseparable friendship with Speed, who has taught his roommate how to dance, dress, and navigate the polite society of Springfield.
Told in the alternating voices of Mary Todd and Joshua Speed, and rich with historical detail, Courting Mr. Lincoln creates a sympathetic and complex portrait of Mary unlike any that has come before; a moving portrayal of the deep and very real connection between the two men; and most of all, an evocation of the unformed man who would grow into one of the nation’s most beloved presidents.
Louis Bayard, a master storyteller at the height of his powers, delivers here a page-turning tale of love, longing, and forbidden possibilities.
When Mary Todd meets Abraham Lincoln in Springfield in the winter of 1840, he is on no one's shortlist to be president. Rough and reticent, he’s a country lawyer lacking money and manners, living above a dry goods shop, but with a gift for oratory. Mary, a quick, self-possessed debutante with a tireless interest in debates and elections, at first finds him an enigma. “I can only hope,” she tells his roommate, the handsome, charming Joshua Speed, “that his waters being so very still, they also run deep.”
It’s not long, though, before she sees the Lincoln that Speed knows: a man who, despite his awkwardness, is amiable and profound, with a gentle wit to match his genius and a respect for her keen political mind. But as her relationship with Lincoln deepens, she must confront his inseparable friendship with Speed, who has taught his roommate how to dance, dress, and navigate the polite society of Springfield.
Told in the alternating voices of Mary Todd and Joshua Speed, and rich with historical detail, Courting Mr. Lincoln creates a sympathetic and complex portrait of Mary unlike any that has come before; a moving portrayal of the deep and very real connection between the two men; and most of all, an evocation of the unformed man who would grow into one of the nation’s most beloved presidents.
Louis Bayard, a master storyteller at the height of his powers, delivers here a page-turning tale of love, longing, and forbidden possibilities.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
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7045 people want to read
About the author
Louis Bayard
31 books716 followersA staff writer for Salon.com, Bayard has written articles and reviews for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Nerve.com, and Preservation, among others. Bayard lives in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
April 30, 2019
I really haven’t read much about Mary Todd Lincoln, but any anything that I have read or any movie I’ve seen about her portrays her as the grieving mother, suffering depression at the loss of a child. I very much enjoyed this book portraying her earlier life when she first meets Lincoln. I saw her as a smart, feisty, independent thinking woman and she can talk politics. I have not read enough of Lincoln’s life to know what he was like as a young man before he became President, so it was certainly interesting to see the evolution of the man, as depicted by Louis Bayard. A little rough around the edges, he doesn’t know which fork to use or how to dress, or dance, this young Abraham Lincoln is awkward in this Springfield society. Mary Todd is living with her sister, as they try to find a suitable husband for her. The machinations of finding suitors, the dances, the dinners, the political discourse make for setting that will definitely appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction.
I never heard of Joshua Speed before I read this novel. He and Lincoln were the closest of friends, roommates, bedmates even . Nothing is made really clear, but there are definitely implications that it was more than friendship. There were clearly times when Speed displays jealousy and a bit is an obsession having Lincoln followed, being upset that Lincoln is planning to marry Mary Todd, breaking their vow to remain bachelors. It was Speed, though who helps Lincoln through this social education of sorts, teaching him what he needs to know. However, Lincoln himself was able to find his own way into Mary’s heart. I loved the depiction of their intelligent and sweet conversations and while I know this is a fictional portrayal, it’s lovely to think that this was how it was between them.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Algonquin through Edelweiss.
May 31, 2019
Having lived not too far from his memorial for more than 30 years, Abraham Lincoln is definitely one former president I think of fairly often. Daniel Day-Lewis' masterful, Academy Award-winning portrayal (in
Lincoln
) also lives in my mind—so much so that I was hoping Steven Spielberg might've changed history and let him survive that fateful night at Ford's Theater.
I've even envisioned him as a vampire hunter.
All this to say, as much as I feel like Mr. Lincoln is a familiar historical figure, I wasn't prepared for the mesmerizing poignancy and humor of a younger Lincoln in Louis Bayard's terrific new book, Courting Mr. Lincoln . And the former president himself wasn't the only one to get a spin different than the way he has usually been portrayed—almost all I've heard of Mary Todd Lincoln chronicles her mercurial nature and her paralyzing grief, but in Bayard's hands she is a fascinating character.
Courting Mr. Lincoln opens with a young Mary Todd arriving in Springfield, Illinois in 1840, where she is to live with her married elder sister until she finds a suitable husband. But Mary is an intelligent young woman with a quick tongue and a wicked sense of humor, qualities not prized in women of that time. She also has a tremendous knowledge of politics, which she isn't afraid to demonstrate in conversation, and she knows it will be difficult to find a man who is her intellectual equal.
She first thinks she has found it in shopkeeper Joshua Speed, a handsome and charming young man more than willing to hold up his end of a conversation. She certainly knows it won't be Speed's roommate, Abraham Lincoln, a country lawyer and local politician who has never quite scrubbed the "country" off of him. Tall, gangly, and awkward, he'd rather blend into the background then stand out, but his gift of oratory wins him more than a few fans. But little by little, Mary finds herself surprisingly charmed by this man, whose awkwardness belies his quick wit and kind heart.
While those around Lincoln know he needs a suitable spouse if he is ever to run for higher political office, it is difficult to permeate his relationship with Speed, who literally made Lincoln the man he is, teaching him to dress and carry himself properly, showing him how to dance and handle himself in social situations. The friendship between Speed and Lincoln is closer than nearly any bond, and neither is sure they want to end it for the sake of propriety or Lincoln's ambitions.
This is a fascinating, moving book about friendship, family, social obligations, ambition, and love. Each of these is difficult to navigate now, much less in the 1840s, and Courting Mr. Lincoln demonstrates the challenges that Mary, Speed, and Lincoln each faced in choosing between what was expected of them and what they wanted for themselves. Reading this book, you can only wonder how much Lincoln truly wanted to be president, and how much he did what others wanted of him instead.
The book's narration alternates between the three characters, and is at turns funny, poignant, and utterly compelling. Even though I knew inevitably what would happen, I still wondered how Bayard would get his characters to their ultimate destination, or, much like I wished of Spielberg, whether he'd alter the course of history for the sake of the story. (I don't know which would have made me love the book more, honestly.)
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I really loved this book. It's a special story that made these characters seem vivid and almost modern even against the backdrop of the 1840s. I'd love to see this story made into a movie, if for no other reason than I'm sad the book has ended.
Bayard is a tremendously talented storyteller. It's hard to believe I've never read any of his other books, but I'm going to need to remedy that!!
NetGalley and Algonquin Books provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
I've even envisioned him as a vampire hunter.
All this to say, as much as I feel like Mr. Lincoln is a familiar historical figure, I wasn't prepared for the mesmerizing poignancy and humor of a younger Lincoln in Louis Bayard's terrific new book, Courting Mr. Lincoln . And the former president himself wasn't the only one to get a spin different than the way he has usually been portrayed—almost all I've heard of Mary Todd Lincoln chronicles her mercurial nature and her paralyzing grief, but in Bayard's hands she is a fascinating character.
Courting Mr. Lincoln opens with a young Mary Todd arriving in Springfield, Illinois in 1840, where she is to live with her married elder sister until she finds a suitable husband. But Mary is an intelligent young woman with a quick tongue and a wicked sense of humor, qualities not prized in women of that time. She also has a tremendous knowledge of politics, which she isn't afraid to demonstrate in conversation, and she knows it will be difficult to find a man who is her intellectual equal.
She first thinks she has found it in shopkeeper Joshua Speed, a handsome and charming young man more than willing to hold up his end of a conversation. She certainly knows it won't be Speed's roommate, Abraham Lincoln, a country lawyer and local politician who has never quite scrubbed the "country" off of him. Tall, gangly, and awkward, he'd rather blend into the background then stand out, but his gift of oratory wins him more than a few fans. But little by little, Mary finds herself surprisingly charmed by this man, whose awkwardness belies his quick wit and kind heart.
While those around Lincoln know he needs a suitable spouse if he is ever to run for higher political office, it is difficult to permeate his relationship with Speed, who literally made Lincoln the man he is, teaching him to dress and carry himself properly, showing him how to dance and handle himself in social situations. The friendship between Speed and Lincoln is closer than nearly any bond, and neither is sure they want to end it for the sake of propriety or Lincoln's ambitions.
This is a fascinating, moving book about friendship, family, social obligations, ambition, and love. Each of these is difficult to navigate now, much less in the 1840s, and Courting Mr. Lincoln demonstrates the challenges that Mary, Speed, and Lincoln each faced in choosing between what was expected of them and what they wanted for themselves. Reading this book, you can only wonder how much Lincoln truly wanted to be president, and how much he did what others wanted of him instead.
The book's narration alternates between the three characters, and is at turns funny, poignant, and utterly compelling. Even though I knew inevitably what would happen, I still wondered how Bayard would get his characters to their ultimate destination, or, much like I wished of Spielberg, whether he'd alter the course of history for the sake of the story. (I don't know which would have made me love the book more, honestly.)
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I really loved this book. It's a special story that made these characters seem vivid and almost modern even against the backdrop of the 1840s. I'd love to see this story made into a movie, if for no other reason than I'm sad the book has ended.
Bayard is a tremendously talented storyteller. It's hard to believe I've never read any of his other books, but I'm going to need to remedy that!!
NetGalley and Algonquin Books provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 21, 2019
Oh, how charming this read is! A favorite! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
In 1840, Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln meet for the first time. At the moment, Abe’s not on anyone’s presidential radar.
Instead, he is a rough-and-tumble backroads lawyer, a bit uncouth, but a captivating and clever speaker.
Mary is a debutante, who happens to be interested in elections, as well as intellectual debates. Abe is a puzzle to Mary at first. At the time, he is living with a roommate, Joshua Speed whom she confides in about Abe.
Eventually, more of Abe shows to Mary, and she sees not just his awkwardness, but his intellect, goodness, and genuine respect for her strengths in politics.
As Mary and Abe become closer, there’s a third person involved, the charming Speed, Abe’s roommate who has smoothed many of Abe’s rough edges. The two have a deep and abiding friendship.
Courting Mr. Lincoln is narrated by both Mary Todd and Joshua Speed. It was fascinating to hear the take on Abe from each of them. The sense of time and place is deftly drawn, and the story is rich in historical detail without feeling heavy.
I’ve never “known” Mary Todd in exactly this way, and I loved the portrayal. I also loved the genuine friendship between Speed and Abe. It’s so steadfast and true and honestly gives me chills to think about how well it was written!
Overall, Courting Mr. Lincoln is page-turning, enthralling storytelling at its best, a gorgeous story I’ll never forget about love and friendship, friendship and love!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
In 1840, Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln meet for the first time. At the moment, Abe’s not on anyone’s presidential radar.
Instead, he is a rough-and-tumble backroads lawyer, a bit uncouth, but a captivating and clever speaker.
Mary is a debutante, who happens to be interested in elections, as well as intellectual debates. Abe is a puzzle to Mary at first. At the time, he is living with a roommate, Joshua Speed whom she confides in about Abe.
Eventually, more of Abe shows to Mary, and she sees not just his awkwardness, but his intellect, goodness, and genuine respect for her strengths in politics.
As Mary and Abe become closer, there’s a third person involved, the charming Speed, Abe’s roommate who has smoothed many of Abe’s rough edges. The two have a deep and abiding friendship.
Courting Mr. Lincoln is narrated by both Mary Todd and Joshua Speed. It was fascinating to hear the take on Abe from each of them. The sense of time and place is deftly drawn, and the story is rich in historical detail without feeling heavy.
I’ve never “known” Mary Todd in exactly this way, and I loved the portrayal. I also loved the genuine friendship between Speed and Abe. It’s so steadfast and true and honestly gives me chills to think about how well it was written!
Overall, Courting Mr. Lincoln is page-turning, enthralling storytelling at its best, a gorgeous story I’ll never forget about love and friendship, friendship and love!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
February 24, 2019
My goodness, I think im turning into an emotional willy nilly! I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Abraham Lincoln. When asked that question, who would you want to meet, dead or alive? Lincoln was always my answer. Despite that, I knew little about his beginning time in Springfield, first meeting Mary Todd, and his friendship with Joshua Speed. This novel filled that time period, ably and wonderfully.
A young Lincoln, so nice to imagine him at the beginning of his career, newly arrived in Springfield, becoming Speeds roomie and meeting Mary. A young, awkward, Abe, no social Grace's, few manners, taught by Joshua all he needed to know to comport himself in society. Mary Todd, living with her eldest sister, the Belle of Springfield. A keen political mind, not afraid to speak out with her opinions. The relationship between her and Abe, the starts and stutters, until finally, and in a most unusual place makes his declaration. By then, I had quite fallen for them both.
Told with tenderness, this in-depth look at a man and woman, who had so much heartache in their lives. The novel surges forward to the eve Lincoln's inauguration and then again to Mary alone, looking back, waiting. Bellevue and her stay there briefly mentioned, a part history if which I'm very aware as I live in the town where it is located. A wonderful story, history lovers will cherish this. Sometimes fiction can flesh things out, be a little more personal than non fiction. Bayard does a terrific job with these two people now present only in history.
The recipe for kiss pudding, mentioned in this book. Had never heard of it but liked the name and it seems easy enough to make. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/kiss...
ARC from Book browse.
A young Lincoln, so nice to imagine him at the beginning of his career, newly arrived in Springfield, becoming Speeds roomie and meeting Mary. A young, awkward, Abe, no social Grace's, few manners, taught by Joshua all he needed to know to comport himself in society. Mary Todd, living with her eldest sister, the Belle of Springfield. A keen political mind, not afraid to speak out with her opinions. The relationship between her and Abe, the starts and stutters, until finally, and in a most unusual place makes his declaration. By then, I had quite fallen for them both.
Told with tenderness, this in-depth look at a man and woman, who had so much heartache in their lives. The novel surges forward to the eve Lincoln's inauguration and then again to Mary alone, looking back, waiting. Bellevue and her stay there briefly mentioned, a part history if which I'm very aware as I live in the town where it is located. A wonderful story, history lovers will cherish this. Sometimes fiction can flesh things out, be a little more personal than non fiction. Bayard does a terrific job with these two people now present only in history.
The recipe for kiss pudding, mentioned in this book. Had never heard of it but liked the name and it seems easy enough to make. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/kiss...
ARC from Book browse.
May 22, 2019
"Men don't always know what they need. That's why God made women."
COURTING MR. LINCOLN is a work of historical fiction, and an entertaining read, but not quite what I was expecting. In a nutshell, I was hoping for more connection....personal (wooing) time between Abe and Mary Todd; whereas, it seemed a greater portion of this novel was spent on Abe's friendship with Joshua Speed....the two making for instant strange bedfellows with Mary and Speed often in competition for Abe's sole attention.
I favor books about Civil War times, Abe Lincoln in particular, and this one begins in 1839 with a young Mary Todd traveling from Alton to Springfield, Illinois in search of change, a man and hope for a better life and future.
When she arrives at her domineering sister Elizabeth's home, she is disappointed in the appearance of the ugly mud-daubed cabins, muddy streets and primitive environment; and it sure is not love at first sight when she eventually meets the awkward giant of a man Abraham with his unkept appearance and uncouth ways, but....things do subtly change thanks to Eliza Francis whose mission in life is playing Cupid to any unattached Whigs and eligible young ladies who might further their political aspirations.
Told from alternating viewpoints of Mary and Joshua, it was fun watching a young penniless tender-hearted farmer Abe turned lawyer/politician learn to dress properly, waltz and get the hang of proper etiquette under the tutelage of his handsome new friend, roommate and store proprietor Speed. Springfield society was not easy nor was the applied practice of medicine of the time....no thanks.
COURTING MR. LINCOLN has an interesting take on the Lincoln-Todd-Speed relationships and I very much enjoyed and recommend it. There is talk of politics and a bit about slavery, but it does not explore the civil war or Lincoln assassination. The epilogue does, however, summarize Mary's sorrowful end.
***Arc provided by Algonquin Books via NetGalley in exchange for review***
February 21, 2020
Abraham Lincoln, one of the most beloved presidents and a man of great character, graces the pages of this story through the eyes of two people that mattered greatly to him – his best friend Joshua Speed and marriageable Mary Todd.
This story is set during a short period, when Abraham Lincoln is a young poor lawyer and a state legislator, known for being “rough beyond the edges.” He learns quickly the proper manners and how to dance to advance in the society, but at heart he remains to be the same humble character.
In 1839, Mary arrives at her sister’s place in Springfield, both in hopes of finding the right prospect for Mary. Here, the first prospect of romance makes Mary rebel. However, with appearance of Joshua Speed romance looks so much more appealing. Only to be pushed into the arms of Mr. Lincoln, leaving her confused. When her brazen behavior is transformed into heroism in the eyes of Mr. Lincoln, Mary’s heart changes its course. Thus, giving Lincoln a chance to forge a path into Mary’s heart. Even more when he notices her keen political mind.
Joshua reveals the story of how he arrived at sharing lodgings with Lincoln. The constant judgement of his family pushed him away from them, finding comfort with a young lawyer. They took their time warming to each other. Now, Lincoln gladly accepts tutelage on manners and dance, but refuses charity from Joshua. Lincoln’s warm words of his appreciation of meeting Joshua touches Joshua deeply as he has never heard such kind words from any member of his family.
They promised bachelorhood to each other. But when Mary comes into their lives, some strains with very thick air are felt. They all need to face some challenges and choose the right paths.
Mary is a very sparky and original character. She has quite a humor rolled up her sleeves. When complimented on having such lovely hands, her response is quick, “perhaps, upon my death, I shall have them severed and bequeathed to you.” She is also very creative in paving her way in life, and literally using shingles to create a path over mud to get where she needed to go at the time.
Joshua is a very caring character, scarred by his family. He finds something extraordinary in Lincoln’s kindness and persona.
The masterful writing is reflected in many aspects, through unforgettable characters with their sharp tongues, through brilliant happenings, and humorous dialogue. My favorite, when Mrs. Francis would do anything to raise Mr. Lincoln to the very top, but close association with Mr. Speed is not beneficial in this case and to put it diplomatically for Mr. Speed she exemplifies it through the Greeks and their history of doing what is right for the friendship. “It can ennoble, it can inspire, but it can also… constrict.” Lincoln needs to find a wife to advance in his political career, instead being seen with his male friend all the time.
Also, loved the character of Mrs. Francis. She is such a dazzling talker. It’s hard to win an argument with her. She has a quick answer for everything. “Men don’t always know what they need. That’s why God made women.”
Beautifully crafted story, vividly written, with memorable characters leaving a lingering effect. One of the most brilliant writings I have ever read.
Source: Algonquin Books
This story is set during a short period, when Abraham Lincoln is a young poor lawyer and a state legislator, known for being “rough beyond the edges.” He learns quickly the proper manners and how to dance to advance in the society, but at heart he remains to be the same humble character.
In 1839, Mary arrives at her sister’s place in Springfield, both in hopes of finding the right prospect for Mary. Here, the first prospect of romance makes Mary rebel. However, with appearance of Joshua Speed romance looks so much more appealing. Only to be pushed into the arms of Mr. Lincoln, leaving her confused. When her brazen behavior is transformed into heroism in the eyes of Mr. Lincoln, Mary’s heart changes its course. Thus, giving Lincoln a chance to forge a path into Mary’s heart. Even more when he notices her keen political mind.
Joshua reveals the story of how he arrived at sharing lodgings with Lincoln. The constant judgement of his family pushed him away from them, finding comfort with a young lawyer. They took their time warming to each other. Now, Lincoln gladly accepts tutelage on manners and dance, but refuses charity from Joshua. Lincoln’s warm words of his appreciation of meeting Joshua touches Joshua deeply as he has never heard such kind words from any member of his family.
They promised bachelorhood to each other. But when Mary comes into their lives, some strains with very thick air are felt. They all need to face some challenges and choose the right paths.
Mary is a very sparky and original character. She has quite a humor rolled up her sleeves. When complimented on having such lovely hands, her response is quick, “perhaps, upon my death, I shall have them severed and bequeathed to you.” She is also very creative in paving her way in life, and literally using shingles to create a path over mud to get where she needed to go at the time.
Joshua is a very caring character, scarred by his family. He finds something extraordinary in Lincoln’s kindness and persona.
The masterful writing is reflected in many aspects, through unforgettable characters with their sharp tongues, through brilliant happenings, and humorous dialogue. My favorite, when Mrs. Francis would do anything to raise Mr. Lincoln to the very top, but close association with Mr. Speed is not beneficial in this case and to put it diplomatically for Mr. Speed she exemplifies it through the Greeks and their history of doing what is right for the friendship. “It can ennoble, it can inspire, but it can also… constrict.” Lincoln needs to find a wife to advance in his political career, instead being seen with his male friend all the time.
Also, loved the character of Mrs. Francis. She is such a dazzling talker. It’s hard to win an argument with her. She has a quick answer for everything. “Men don’t always know what they need. That’s why God made women.”
Beautifully crafted story, vividly written, with memorable characters leaving a lingering effect. One of the most brilliant writings I have ever read.
Source: Algonquin Books
April 5, 2021
I had two fears before I started this book. First, I was afraid that this would turn out to be a romance novel, in which case I would have abandoned it immediately. Second, I was afraid that this would be one of the Bayard novels that just didn’t agree with me, in which case I might have soldiered on but been unhappy about it. Yeah, my fears were groundless. This was a completely charming story of the young, awkward Abraham Lincoln and the two people who loved him. I have really only read about Mary Todd as the woman consumed by grief. This book presents the young, curious, vivacious woman who is fascinated by politics. I had never heard of Joshua Speed, although I knew that there was a rumor that Lincoln had a male lover. Speed is presented as a handsome, cultured man who evaded all of the young women of the town. He and Lincoln shared a room, and bed, for several years and he helped Lincoln to get rid of some of his rough edges. In another era, Speed might have become a “walker” of women seeking a presentable escort. The story is told from the alternating points of view of Mary and Joshua and it was interesting seeing their different takes on the same situation or event. All three of the characters made delightful companions and their intertwined stories were told gracefully and amusingly. I didn’t mind the epilogue, but I thought it was unnecessary. It’s not like we don’t know how Lincoln’s story ends.
dnf
May 1, 2019Going into my DNF file. I just could not reconcile myself to the veiled innuendoes that Lincoln was possibly a homosexual. I know I am probably the only one who thinks that there should be some areas of public figures lives that are left unsaid, especially if these figures are long dead and really have not a say in the matter.
March 14, 2019
(4.5 stars) There's always been something about Mary Todd that history has chosen to dislike or take issue with. She was a shrew, difficult to live with, out of control, insane, made Lincoln's life a living hell, unlovable...you name it, it has been said. A good bit of blame may fall on William Herndon and Jesse Welk's biography of Lincoln published in 1889, which reflected Herndon's longtime negative feelings about Mary Todd. From there, many other historians have run with it.
Well, thank you, Louis Bayard, for this kinder, gentler, more impartial look at Mary Todd. Bayard's novel is a snapshot in time, from 1839 to 1842, when Mary moved to Springfield, Illinois, met Lincoln, who was just beginning to involve himself in politics, became engaged to him in 1840, disengaged in 1841, and reengaged and married in 1842. Mary was recognized in Springfield society as lively, quick-witted, politically savvy and pretty. She became the "Belle of Springfield", courted by many , including Stephen Douglas, and other influential figures such as Webb and Trumbull.
These are known facts. It's the beautiful filling in of details of their courtship that makes this book so engaging. Details about Mary, of course, as half the novel is written from her POV, but also details about Joshua Speed, whose POV is found in alternating sections of the novel. Speed was Lincoln's bosum buddy, close friend and bedmate from 1837 until the end of 1840. By "bedmate" one understands that they shared a bed as a sleeping arrangement common to that time. However, their extremely close friendship paired with this sleeping arrangement have led many to speculate that theirs was a romantic relationship and that Lincoln may have been bisexual.
Bayard does not declare one way or the other, although he left subtle hints throughout the story, mostly about Speed. Instead he sticks closely to the known facts and presents us with a touching and tasteful portrayal of a great "bromance", which may or may not have been sexual, whether overt or latent. In the grand scheme of things, whose business is it but that of those most concerned, i.e., Speed, Lincoln and Mary?
But it is my business to enjoy a well-written historical novel and this is that. It's also well researched and adheres closely to the historical record. It's so well researched that when Lincoln says to Mary on p. 360 of this story, "I once told you we were the two brokenest birds I knew...What I didn't see was how well our pieces might still fit together for all that," I went searching the internet, hoping it was based on a real quote, since so many other of the interactions here were historically documented. No such luck, but then I'm not a first-class researcher by any means.
Whatever the case may be, one comes away from the reading of this knowing it is a love story, or rather two love stories. Joshua Speed and Lincoln shared a very close connection and an obvious love for each other, no matter what interpretation you choose to give this love. And Lincoln and Mary Todd also had a very close connection, based on their mutual interest in politics and the spark of the meeting of minds. How romantic and passionate this connection was again is up to the reader or researcher.
The main story ends with Mary Todd and Lincoln's wedding, but the epilogue covers two periods beyond that: (1) An 1860 reunion of Speed and Lincoln and their wives as told from Speed's POV, and (2) An 1882 memory from Mary's POV. Both were unbelievably touching and actually choked me up.
This was a lovely story. I found it to be beautifully written and believable. I'm grateful to Bayard for giving Mary back some of her dignity, grace, and good name. There has been much mud slung at her for too long. After all, just consider this: She suffered from migraines and perhaps even depression. She was married to a man who suffered bouts of severe depression and who was often absent during their married life. She lost her son Edward in 1850 at three years of age and then her son Willie in 1862 when he was eleven. All this while Civil War divided the country. Her beloved husband was assassinated in 1865. It would take an exceptionally strong and emotionally stable person to withstand all those blows and not become emotionally troubled.
As I look back over what I have written so far (and it is probably too much), I see that I've given the impression that this is merely a story about Mary and Speed. Well, of course it is because everything is from their POV and not that of Lincoln. But it is also a touching look at Lincoln as a struggling lawyer and budding politician. A somewhat socially awkward man, self taught, from a rough background, needing help in learning the social graces and even grooming and sartorial advice.
All in all, this was a great take on three historical characters, one beloved of most, one maligned by most, and one probably unknown to most.
Well, thank you, Louis Bayard, for this kinder, gentler, more impartial look at Mary Todd. Bayard's novel is a snapshot in time, from 1839 to 1842, when Mary moved to Springfield, Illinois, met Lincoln, who was just beginning to involve himself in politics, became engaged to him in 1840, disengaged in 1841, and reengaged and married in 1842. Mary was recognized in Springfield society as lively, quick-witted, politically savvy and pretty. She became the "Belle of Springfield", courted by many , including Stephen Douglas, and other influential figures such as Webb and Trumbull.
These are known facts. It's the beautiful filling in of details of their courtship that makes this book so engaging. Details about Mary, of course, as half the novel is written from her POV, but also details about Joshua Speed, whose POV is found in alternating sections of the novel. Speed was Lincoln's bosum buddy, close friend and bedmate from 1837 until the end of 1840. By "bedmate" one understands that they shared a bed as a sleeping arrangement common to that time. However, their extremely close friendship paired with this sleeping arrangement have led many to speculate that theirs was a romantic relationship and that Lincoln may have been bisexual.
Bayard does not declare one way or the other, although he left subtle hints throughout the story, mostly about Speed. Instead he sticks closely to the known facts and presents us with a touching and tasteful portrayal of a great "bromance", which may or may not have been sexual, whether overt or latent. In the grand scheme of things, whose business is it but that of those most concerned, i.e., Speed, Lincoln and Mary?
But it is my business to enjoy a well-written historical novel and this is that. It's also well researched and adheres closely to the historical record. It's so well researched that when Lincoln says to Mary on p. 360 of this story, "I once told you we were the two brokenest birds I knew...What I didn't see was how well our pieces might still fit together for all that," I went searching the internet, hoping it was based on a real quote, since so many other of the interactions here were historically documented. No such luck, but then I'm not a first-class researcher by any means.
Whatever the case may be, one comes away from the reading of this knowing it is a love story, or rather two love stories. Joshua Speed and Lincoln shared a very close connection and an obvious love for each other, no matter what interpretation you choose to give this love. And Lincoln and Mary Todd also had a very close connection, based on their mutual interest in politics and the spark of the meeting of minds. How romantic and passionate this connection was again is up to the reader or researcher.
The main story ends with Mary Todd and Lincoln's wedding, but the epilogue covers two periods beyond that: (1) An 1860 reunion of Speed and Lincoln and their wives as told from Speed's POV, and (2) An 1882 memory from Mary's POV. Both were unbelievably touching and actually choked me up.
This was a lovely story. I found it to be beautifully written and believable. I'm grateful to Bayard for giving Mary back some of her dignity, grace, and good name. There has been much mud slung at her for too long. After all, just consider this: She suffered from migraines and perhaps even depression. She was married to a man who suffered bouts of severe depression and who was often absent during their married life. She lost her son Edward in 1850 at three years of age and then her son Willie in 1862 when he was eleven. All this while Civil War divided the country. Her beloved husband was assassinated in 1865. It would take an exceptionally strong and emotionally stable person to withstand all those blows and not become emotionally troubled.
As I look back over what I have written so far (and it is probably too much), I see that I've given the impression that this is merely a story about Mary and Speed. Well, of course it is because everything is from their POV and not that of Lincoln. But it is also a touching look at Lincoln as a struggling lawyer and budding politician. A somewhat socially awkward man, self taught, from a rough background, needing help in learning the social graces and even grooming and sartorial advice.
All in all, this was a great take on three historical characters, one beloved of most, one maligned by most, and one probably unknown to most.
July 19, 2019
As a lover of all things regarding the Lincolns, I greatly enjoyed this book, a fictional account about the slow-growing love affair between one poor (and poorly groomed), intelligent, lanky, young, Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Todd, a lady born into some wealth who found herself slowly falling for the man, despite the fact that he was absolutely rough around the edges and not exactly on everyone's social calendar. Of course, at that period of time, anyone who was anyone needed to be seen at the proper events.
When she meets him in 1840, he has found himself living above a store, sharing a room with the store's owner, Mr. Speed, who becomes a very close friend as time goes on. It is a friendship that will last a lifetime. When the young country lawyer walked into Speed's dry goods store that cold winter's day looking for a place to stay, Speed to a liking to him and offered him the chance to share his upstairs home.
Mary was a debutante and of a marrying age, and she had a huge love of politics. When people heard the unassuming Mr. Lincoln speak, his words and the way he was able to move entire crowds of people slowly endeared him to almost everyone.
This book follows the courtship of Abraham and Mary. As we know, history has not been kind to Mary Todd Lincoln. There are rumors of insanity, depression, being rude and overbearing to her husband, and on and on. It is true she suffered from depression, especially after losing a child, and she could be severe. However, this book shows Mary under what I think is most likely a truer light. She was well-liked in society circles at that time, and it is known she was thought of as "pretty" and intelligent. She would speak her mind, and those who valued a true opinion would listen to her. Those who felt women should be seen and not heard, that they had no voice in politics because it was above their pretty little heads, did not take as kindly to her.
This book shows Abraham and Mary as people rather than most books which focus on his Presidency or her failings.
When she meets him in 1840, he has found himself living above a store, sharing a room with the store's owner, Mr. Speed, who becomes a very close friend as time goes on. It is a friendship that will last a lifetime. When the young country lawyer walked into Speed's dry goods store that cold winter's day looking for a place to stay, Speed to a liking to him and offered him the chance to share his upstairs home.
Mary was a debutante and of a marrying age, and she had a huge love of politics. When people heard the unassuming Mr. Lincoln speak, his words and the way he was able to move entire crowds of people slowly endeared him to almost everyone.
This book follows the courtship of Abraham and Mary. As we know, history has not been kind to Mary Todd Lincoln. There are rumors of insanity, depression, being rude and overbearing to her husband, and on and on. It is true she suffered from depression, especially after losing a child, and she could be severe. However, this book shows Mary under what I think is most likely a truer light. She was well-liked in society circles at that time, and it is known she was thought of as "pretty" and intelligent. She would speak her mind, and those who valued a true opinion would listen to her. Those who felt women should be seen and not heard, that they had no voice in politics because it was above their pretty little heads, did not take as kindly to her.
This book shows Abraham and Mary as people rather than most books which focus on his Presidency or her failings.
January 25, 2020
1/2020 update
I reread Courting Mr. Lincoln in conjunction with its paperback edition blog tour.
On this second reading, I again was again impressed by Bayard's handing of Mary Todd. I love her outspokenness, her willingness to stand up to convention and assert herself. She has a stubborn streak, and yet is vulnerable.
"There had to be, in her soul, there lay some rebel contingent."~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Mary has come to Springfield to live with a married sister. She is escaping an unhappy relationship with a stepmother, but it is also intended that she find a husband, being twenty-one and on the threshold of spinsterhood. She can not settle for the available men hoisted upon her as suitable. Lincoln is unsuitable, but Mary sees his gentleness and kindness and relishes their political talk. She grew up on politics in her home.
"The man how wishes to woo me will send neither flowers nor chocolates but elections returns."~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Lincoln describes her, and himself, as broken birds, people who have suffered and carry the scars from childhood.
"But those are the ones that turn out the toughest, arent' they? The broken ones." ~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Lincoln is self-effacing, acutely aware of his shortcomings in social status and origin, his bleak prospects as an itinerant lawyer. He does not want to drag Mary down to his level.
"El Greco frame stretched beyond sufferance. A mournful well of eye. A face of bones, all badgering to break through.~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Joshua Speed, Lincoln's lifelong intimate friend and soulmate, jealously watches his friend's courtship of Mary. They had pledged to avoid marriage, remaining eternal bachelors. Bayard's Speed educates Lincoln in matters of social niceties, from apparel to dancing. Lincoln is described as brilliant but rustic to a fault.
The novel is well grounded on historical events, from Mary's idea of making a pathway to walk into town by tossing shingles ahead to Lincoln's deep depression and indecision that caused him to leave Mary and Springfield.
Bayard wisely skirts the nature of Speed and Lincoln's intimacy in sexual matters. One can read between the lines as one wishes.
Bayard's writing is wonderful, I love his descriptions and language. He brings these characters to life.
I was given a free ebook by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
2019 review:
Louis Bayard's novel is about the pre-marriage relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd and Lincoln and his friend and roommate Joshua Speed. The novel is based on the myth created by gay activist Larry Kramer that Speed and Lincoln had a sexual relationship. Kramer claimed to have evidence but he never made it public.
I have read several books on Mary Todd Lincoln and had my own idea of her personality.
The novel begins when Mary arrives in Springfield to her sister's home to find a husband. The frontier town of 1,500 is described as primitive. I had read that Mary was well pursued and admired as a girl, but Bayard gives us a woman tipping into spinsterhood, surrounded by inferior suitors--except for Joshua Speed, who is dapper and handsome but standoffish with the ladies. Mary is at times audacious and has an unwomanly interest in politics.
Speed introduces Lincoln to Mary. Lincoln is stereotyped as a country bumpkin who must be educated to fit into society, a job Speed takes on. Bayard does not really convince me why Mary becomes attached to Lincoln. His character is the least developed. I had read that Mary strongly believed in Lincoln's political future. The book includes their falling out and coming back together leaving the lovelorn Speed to marry a woman who is happy to avoid the physical obligations of marriage.
I ended up speed-reading through half the book. I do hope readers understand this is fiction! The portrait of Mary may surprise some readers who only know the yellow journalism view of her later life, the mad widow reduced to selling her clothing and sent to the asylum by her only surviving child. In the end, I see this as Joshua Speed's story, assuming he was in love with Lincoln.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
I reread Courting Mr. Lincoln in conjunction with its paperback edition blog tour.
On this second reading, I again was again impressed by Bayard's handing of Mary Todd. I love her outspokenness, her willingness to stand up to convention and assert herself. She has a stubborn streak, and yet is vulnerable.
"There had to be, in her soul, there lay some rebel contingent."~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Mary has come to Springfield to live with a married sister. She is escaping an unhappy relationship with a stepmother, but it is also intended that she find a husband, being twenty-one and on the threshold of spinsterhood. She can not settle for the available men hoisted upon her as suitable. Lincoln is unsuitable, but Mary sees his gentleness and kindness and relishes their political talk. She grew up on politics in her home.
"The man how wishes to woo me will send neither flowers nor chocolates but elections returns."~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Lincoln describes her, and himself, as broken birds, people who have suffered and carry the scars from childhood.
"But those are the ones that turn out the toughest, arent' they? The broken ones." ~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Lincoln is self-effacing, acutely aware of his shortcomings in social status and origin, his bleak prospects as an itinerant lawyer. He does not want to drag Mary down to his level.
"El Greco frame stretched beyond sufferance. A mournful well of eye. A face of bones, all badgering to break through.~from Courting Mr. Lincoln
Joshua Speed, Lincoln's lifelong intimate friend and soulmate, jealously watches his friend's courtship of Mary. They had pledged to avoid marriage, remaining eternal bachelors. Bayard's Speed educates Lincoln in matters of social niceties, from apparel to dancing. Lincoln is described as brilliant but rustic to a fault.
The novel is well grounded on historical events, from Mary's idea of making a pathway to walk into town by tossing shingles ahead to Lincoln's deep depression and indecision that caused him to leave Mary and Springfield.
Bayard wisely skirts the nature of Speed and Lincoln's intimacy in sexual matters. One can read between the lines as one wishes.
Bayard's writing is wonderful, I love his descriptions and language. He brings these characters to life.
I was given a free ebook by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
2019 review:
Louis Bayard's novel is about the pre-marriage relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd and Lincoln and his friend and roommate Joshua Speed. The novel is based on the myth created by gay activist Larry Kramer that Speed and Lincoln had a sexual relationship. Kramer claimed to have evidence but he never made it public.
I have read several books on Mary Todd Lincoln and had my own idea of her personality.
The novel begins when Mary arrives in Springfield to her sister's home to find a husband. The frontier town of 1,500 is described as primitive. I had read that Mary was well pursued and admired as a girl, but Bayard gives us a woman tipping into spinsterhood, surrounded by inferior suitors--except for Joshua Speed, who is dapper and handsome but standoffish with the ladies. Mary is at times audacious and has an unwomanly interest in politics.
Speed introduces Lincoln to Mary. Lincoln is stereotyped as a country bumpkin who must be educated to fit into society, a job Speed takes on. Bayard does not really convince me why Mary becomes attached to Lincoln. His character is the least developed. I had read that Mary strongly believed in Lincoln's political future. The book includes their falling out and coming back together leaving the lovelorn Speed to marry a woman who is happy to avoid the physical obligations of marriage.
I ended up speed-reading through half the book. I do hope readers understand this is fiction! The portrait of Mary may surprise some readers who only know the yellow journalism view of her later life, the mad widow reduced to selling her clothing and sent to the asylum by her only surviving child. In the end, I see this as Joshua Speed's story, assuming he was in love with Lincoln.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
January 12, 2019
When I heard that someone was taking on the Mary Todd / Abraham Lincoln / Joshua Speed triangle as a novel, I wondered how that could possibly work. Lincoln famously shared a bed with another man for a time in his life, and many have fought over the significance and implications of this biographical detail. The whole subject is fraught with cultural baggage. Well, the inimitable Louis Bayard has (no surprise) pulled off the feat with more grace, charm, insight and integrity than I thought possible.
The best biographical fictions tend to focus on a chapter of their subject's life, not the whole life, and Bayard wisely employs that strategy here. The title is apt: this novel focuses on a narrow slice of Lincoln's life story when he is at a certain crossroad: whether to marry or not. Given his roots in extreme poverty and the callings of his political career, he has arguably little - and yet much - to offer a wife. Enter the eligible young Mary Todd, just arrived on the Springfield scene and blessed with a rare combination of political acumen, charm and refinement.
Novels about great historical figures run the risk of chipping away from their subjects' inner mystery. Fiction is intimate, and it can feel presumptuous and cheap to take on those legends of stone and marble directly. As Dickinson wrote, "Tell all the truth but tell it slant": Bayard wisely keeps Lincoln at a bit of an arm’s length here. The novel alternates between Mary Todd and Joshua Speed in viewpoint, never Lincoln's. The story becomes a tug of war between a life of marriage or a life of bachelor friendship.
The Mary Todd half of the novel reads a bit like a charming, American version of a Jane Austen novel, appropriately as the setting is just a couple decades after her last novels were published. Bayard brings Todd vividly to life, carefully and subtly sewing the seeds of her famous later troubles while painting an altogether different portrait of a determined, intelligent woman in the bloom of youth. She sparkles on the page, a delightful heroine.
My worry is that, accustomed as modern readers are to Austen and Austen pastiche, they may scratch their heads at the Speed half of this story and react to it as a mistaken departure from formula and miss Bayard's accomplishment here. Decades and centuries before Stonewall and the modern gay rights movement, what could gay life be? What exactly is Speed's attachment to Lincoln and why does he resist his friend's romance with Mary Todd? Was intimacy that wasn't sexual never also an expression of love?
Bayard treads this territory with the greatest care and thoughtfulness, never detracting from Lincoln's dignity as a historical figure. That he balances the two stories equally and fits them together so well is a major achievement, and I hope readers will invest the character of Speed with as much sympathy as they lend to Todd, who benefits from a whole mainstream tradition of storytelling that is largely missing (or underground) for Speed. It would be a mistake to see Speed's role in the story as one of villain or to take this as simply an Austen pastiche.
Courting Mr. Lincoln should be a big draw for book clubs. It's accessible and charming with lots to discuss. The Springfield setting is expertly drawn, the historical detail is convincing without being show-offy, the prose is as crystalline as you'd expect from Bayard, the characters both major and minor are lively, the political insights were blended in seamlessly (I even felt I gained a bit more understanding about the kind of support network that helped groom Obama, that other Illinoisan, for higher office), and the technique of overlapping action told from alternating points of view advanced the story and gives it dimension. (And what a nifty cover design.)
My thanks to Algonquin for the chance to read this early.
The best biographical fictions tend to focus on a chapter of their subject's life, not the whole life, and Bayard wisely employs that strategy here. The title is apt: this novel focuses on a narrow slice of Lincoln's life story when he is at a certain crossroad: whether to marry or not. Given his roots in extreme poverty and the callings of his political career, he has arguably little - and yet much - to offer a wife. Enter the eligible young Mary Todd, just arrived on the Springfield scene and blessed with a rare combination of political acumen, charm and refinement.
Novels about great historical figures run the risk of chipping away from their subjects' inner mystery. Fiction is intimate, and it can feel presumptuous and cheap to take on those legends of stone and marble directly. As Dickinson wrote, "Tell all the truth but tell it slant": Bayard wisely keeps Lincoln at a bit of an arm’s length here. The novel alternates between Mary Todd and Joshua Speed in viewpoint, never Lincoln's. The story becomes a tug of war between a life of marriage or a life of bachelor friendship.
The Mary Todd half of the novel reads a bit like a charming, American version of a Jane Austen novel, appropriately as the setting is just a couple decades after her last novels were published. Bayard brings Todd vividly to life, carefully and subtly sewing the seeds of her famous later troubles while painting an altogether different portrait of a determined, intelligent woman in the bloom of youth. She sparkles on the page, a delightful heroine.
My worry is that, accustomed as modern readers are to Austen and Austen pastiche, they may scratch their heads at the Speed half of this story and react to it as a mistaken departure from formula and miss Bayard's accomplishment here. Decades and centuries before Stonewall and the modern gay rights movement, what could gay life be? What exactly is Speed's attachment to Lincoln and why does he resist his friend's romance with Mary Todd? Was intimacy that wasn't sexual never also an expression of love?
Bayard treads this territory with the greatest care and thoughtfulness, never detracting from Lincoln's dignity as a historical figure. That he balances the two stories equally and fits them together so well is a major achievement, and I hope readers will invest the character of Speed with as much sympathy as they lend to Todd, who benefits from a whole mainstream tradition of storytelling that is largely missing (or underground) for Speed. It would be a mistake to see Speed's role in the story as one of villain or to take this as simply an Austen pastiche.
Courting Mr. Lincoln should be a big draw for book clubs. It's accessible and charming with lots to discuss. The Springfield setting is expertly drawn, the historical detail is convincing without being show-offy, the prose is as crystalline as you'd expect from Bayard, the characters both major and minor are lively, the political insights were blended in seamlessly (I even felt I gained a bit more understanding about the kind of support network that helped groom Obama, that other Illinoisan, for higher office), and the technique of overlapping action told from alternating points of view advanced the story and gives it dimension. (And what a nifty cover design.)
My thanks to Algonquin for the chance to read this early.
March 26, 2021
Have taken longer than usual to review this one; although the story is based on historical fact (as a background or framework), the events are largely seen from Todd and Speed's perspectives. However, we don't go directly into their heads as such, being more of reports from a very astute fly on the wall.
I'll start with Lincoln himself... whose perspective we do not get. In other words, we see him only through the thoughts of those two characters, no scenes of him without them. At the start, he's incredibly insecure, almost like a Clampett in Beverly Hills had the family actually cared what others thought of them (rather than being themselves throughout the series). Speed provides the necessary Eliza Doolittle makeover effect, so that he can "fake it" 'til he soon becomes well-liked in Springfield on his own. Todd struck me as encouraging him more professionally and politically, providing the ambition and drive that his self-doubt was blocking.
Mary Todd was under pressure to mate, similar to the culture attitude towards Japanese women, who begin "going stale" on their 26th single birthday like a Christmas cake the day afterwards. I just didn't get a physical attraction there, as much as an intellectual one with her such a political junkie (highlighting for me the unfairness of voting laws). As Florence Shinn puts it, "Sometimes you need another to 'hold the thought' (goal)." Todd was no lightweight, had the story been set 150 years later, she would have done quite well in her own right.
As for Speed... he was lonely and needy. I saw Lincoln as Jackie Paper to his Puff the Magic Dragon (a song I detest as a downer), when they made a pact to be batchelors together forever (ahem). His emphasis was on Lincoln succeeding socially, which would naturally affect him professionally, in an indirect manner. I'll cut to the chase and throw in my opinion that he came through as looking for something physical in their relationship.
If it seems reviews are all over the place on this one, it's that the story has rather a rorschach effect, lots of implication. I was prepared to leave it at BFF status, until the epilogue scene of the guys' final meeting in 1860. Won't spoil that, but it caused me to seriously reconsider the story.
The secondary characters are interesting, with setting (largely Springfield) well done, but honestly, the tone is too Victorian, so that it dragged until fairly far along. I sped the audio to 1.25x; a friend abandoned it, and I can't blame her as I was tempted myself at first.
The audio narration was great. I recommend the book, if you bear in mind there will be payoff!
P. S. Regarding Lincoln's possible orientation... I came away feeling that had the story taken place in modern time, the two may well have made a go of being in a public long-term relationship. We'll never know, but at the very least he was quite libertarian in outlook, with little use for organized religion.
I'll start with Lincoln himself... whose perspective we do not get. In other words, we see him only through the thoughts of those two characters, no scenes of him without them. At the start, he's incredibly insecure, almost like a Clampett in Beverly Hills had the family actually cared what others thought of them (rather than being themselves throughout the series). Speed provides the necessary Eliza Doolittle makeover effect, so that he can "fake it" 'til he soon becomes well-liked in Springfield on his own. Todd struck me as encouraging him more professionally and politically, providing the ambition and drive that his self-doubt was blocking.
Mary Todd was under pressure to mate, similar to the culture attitude towards Japanese women, who begin "going stale" on their 26th single birthday like a Christmas cake the day afterwards. I just didn't get a physical attraction there, as much as an intellectual one with her such a political junkie (highlighting for me the unfairness of voting laws). As Florence Shinn puts it, "Sometimes you need another to 'hold the thought' (goal)." Todd was no lightweight, had the story been set 150 years later, she would have done quite well in her own right.
As for Speed... he was lonely and needy. I saw Lincoln as Jackie Paper to his Puff the Magic Dragon (a song I detest as a downer), when they made a pact to be batchelors together forever (ahem). His emphasis was on Lincoln succeeding socially, which would naturally affect him professionally, in an indirect manner. I'll cut to the chase and throw in my opinion that he came through as looking for something physical in their relationship.
If it seems reviews are all over the place on this one, it's that the story has rather a rorschach effect, lots of implication. I was prepared to leave it at BFF status, until the epilogue scene of the guys' final meeting in 1860. Won't spoil that, but it caused me to seriously reconsider the story.
The secondary characters are interesting, with setting (largely Springfield) well done, but honestly, the tone is too Victorian, so that it dragged until fairly far along. I sped the audio to 1.25x; a friend abandoned it, and I can't blame her as I was tempted myself at first.
The audio narration was great. I recommend the book, if you bear in mind there will be payoff!
P. S. Regarding Lincoln's possible orientation... I came away feeling that had the story taken place in modern time, the two may well have made a go of being in a public long-term relationship. We'll never know, but at the very least he was quite libertarian in outlook, with little use for organized religion.
June 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this as a work of historical fiction and I’m also wondering how much of it IS fiction. I don’t know much about Abraham Lincoln and I felt very sorry for Mary Todd . I am looking forward to reading more about Abraham Lincoln and also exploring other work by this author.
April 15, 2019
Abraham Lincoln is a giant in American history. This book gives us the opportunity to examine the man early in his legislative and law career through the eyes of Mary Todd and Joshua Speed. Both of them loved Abe and were anxious for him to be successful. Unfortunately the two seemed unable to share Abraham's good will. Throughout the story, the advantage seems to seesaw back and forth until the Todd/Lincoln wedding occurs in late 1842. After that we get two glimpses of their future -- one from each. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another." In His divine providence, God used Joshua Speed to give Lincoln the polish needed to court Mary Todd. Then He used Mary Todd to hone Lincoln's political instincts. Thus our nation was blessed to have Lincoln in the White House when we needed him. I believe this book will most definitely give modern readers a better understanding of Mary Todd and the forces she was subjected to by history. Quite enlightening!
A big thank you to Alongquin Books and Edelweiss for a digital ARC of this new historical novel in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Alongquin Books and Edelweiss for a digital ARC of this new historical novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2019
What I found truly amazing about this book is how brilliantly author Louis Bayard brought Lincoln to life. Although the book is historical fiction, it was obviously necessary for Mr. Bayard to create dialogue between Lincoln and his best friend Joshua Speed, as well as with Mary Todd of course. Bayard's conjured words capture Lincoln's intelligence, insight, perceptiveness, jocularity, but most of all his humor and are very much in keeping with my impression of the country lawyer and, at the time, country bumpkin. One can only presume that Bayard studied Lincoln to an intense degree
Also fascinating was Lincoln's courtship of Mary Todd which I was surprised to learn was quite tempestuous as well as on-again, off-again. He was no Romeo and quite ignorant of the social graces, not to mention a sloppy dresser. His friend Speed, brought him up too... ahem... speed regarding the niceties, manners and fashionable style of dress that high society of the day required. One of the most memorable scenes was Speed teaching the bumbling Lincoln how to dance by practicing quadrille steps with him in their tiny abode.
If you are as fascinated by Lincoln as I am, you will truly love "Courting Mr. Lincoln." If you are not that fascinated by Lincoln, this book may cause you to be.
#TheStrangeCourtshipofAbigailBird
Also fascinating was Lincoln's courtship of Mary Todd which I was surprised to learn was quite tempestuous as well as on-again, off-again. He was no Romeo and quite ignorant of the social graces, not to mention a sloppy dresser. His friend Speed, brought him up too... ahem... speed regarding the niceties, manners and fashionable style of dress that high society of the day required. One of the most memorable scenes was Speed teaching the bumbling Lincoln how to dance by practicing quadrille steps with him in their tiny abode.
If you are as fascinated by Lincoln as I am, you will truly love "Courting Mr. Lincoln." If you are not that fascinated by Lincoln, this book may cause you to be.
#TheStrangeCourtshipofAbigailBird
July 26, 2019
In the spring of 1840, Abraham Lincoln isn't on anyone's radar as a future president. He's a rather awkward, quiet man with no money and little understanding of the social niceties that rule Springfield society. It's this socially awkward lawyer who young Mary Todd, a confident and intelligent debutante, meets and against all odds, they find themselves drawn to each other. There are impediments in their way, not the least of which is Lincoln's roommate, Joshua Speed. Speed recognizes Lincoln as a diamond in the rough and slowly helps transform him into a man who can better navigate higher society, but how deep do Speed's feelings for Lincoln go, and is their close relationship enough to prevent the courtship of Mary?
I know this is a fiction but I thought it gave an interesting perspective on what apparently was an intense friendship between Lincoln and Speed, and how it impacted on Lincoln's courtship of Mary. I liked that it showed how intelligent and politically astute Mary was, given that most people know only of Mary's later years of mental anguish.
This is my first novel by Louis Baynard and I must say, he captured the tone and nuances of Springfield's polite society perfectly. Non-history lovers might find it a little dry, but I enjoyed it. I only wish he had provided notes at the end to indicate what was factual and what was pure fiction. Oh well, I'll just have to do a little research on my own. I'm intrigued!
I know this is a fiction but I thought it gave an interesting perspective on what apparently was an intense friendship between Lincoln and Speed, and how it impacted on Lincoln's courtship of Mary. I liked that it showed how intelligent and politically astute Mary was, given that most people know only of Mary's later years of mental anguish.
This is my first novel by Louis Baynard and I must say, he captured the tone and nuances of Springfield's polite society perfectly. Non-history lovers might find it a little dry, but I enjoyed it. I only wish he had provided notes at the end to indicate what was factual and what was pure fiction. Oh well, I'll just have to do a little research on my own. I'm intrigued!
May 1, 2019
The queer-er Austen novel you didn’t realize you were missing your whole life. The first Joshua Speed section alone will still be one of my favorite things I read this year come December, I guarantee.
March 31, 2019
Beautiful story, expertly told. Highly recommended!
February 16, 2023
COURTING MR. LINCOLN
BY: LOUIS BAYARD
This was recommended to me by a Good Read's friend that writes beautiful reviews, and is quite good at picking out novels that I am so pleased to have discovered. I devoured this historical novel of Abraham Lincoln's early years in Springfield, Illinois. It is sort of a triangle with Mary Todd and Mr. Lincoln's roommate, who is a dry goods store operator named Joshua Speed.
This is the first novel that I have read by Louis Bayard, and I plan on reading his other books with the exception of the one he wrote about Jackie Kennedy--only because I have read so much already about her whole life. Until discovering this page turning historical fiction depicting the early years of Abraham Lincoln's life, I never before knew about Joshua Speed.
Joshua Speed taught the young Abraham how to dress and dance upon other things. I loved the way this book alternated sections between Mary Todd and Joshua Speed. I also enjoyed the earlier years in historical fiction illuminated by Louis Bayard.
So many books portray Abraham Lincoln in his years leading up to being elected to President, his too short time in that office, focusing on his death by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theater. So this one was quite refreshing in illuminating his time as a debt ridden lawyer.
I was surprised at how interesting and deep his friendship with Joshua Speed was. This is the 9001 book written about Abraham Lincoln and I know this sounds like a cliche, when I say that the characters all come to life--vividly in my mind's eye. This is only the second time I have read that Mary Todd's sister Elizabeth Edwards didn't approve of Mary's choice of Abraham Lincoln to be married to. Much of the narrative is about the time period leading up to their marriage.
I will seek out more of Louis Bayard's books as I was so impressed with this one. I also appreciated how sympathetic he portrays his characters. Masterfully written. A bargain price at only $2.99 for such a rich reading experience. Enjoy!
BY: LOUIS BAYARD
This was recommended to me by a Good Read's friend that writes beautiful reviews, and is quite good at picking out novels that I am so pleased to have discovered. I devoured this historical novel of Abraham Lincoln's early years in Springfield, Illinois. It is sort of a triangle with Mary Todd and Mr. Lincoln's roommate, who is a dry goods store operator named Joshua Speed.
This is the first novel that I have read by Louis Bayard, and I plan on reading his other books with the exception of the one he wrote about Jackie Kennedy--only because I have read so much already about her whole life. Until discovering this page turning historical fiction depicting the early years of Abraham Lincoln's life, I never before knew about Joshua Speed.
Joshua Speed taught the young Abraham how to dress and dance upon other things. I loved the way this book alternated sections between Mary Todd and Joshua Speed. I also enjoyed the earlier years in historical fiction illuminated by Louis Bayard.
So many books portray Abraham Lincoln in his years leading up to being elected to President, his too short time in that office, focusing on his death by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theater. So this one was quite refreshing in illuminating his time as a debt ridden lawyer.
I was surprised at how interesting and deep his friendship with Joshua Speed was. This is the 9001 book written about Abraham Lincoln and I know this sounds like a cliche, when I say that the characters all come to life--vividly in my mind's eye. This is only the second time I have read that Mary Todd's sister Elizabeth Edwards didn't approve of Mary's choice of Abraham Lincoln to be married to. Much of the narrative is about the time period leading up to their marriage.
I will seek out more of Louis Bayard's books as I was so impressed with this one. I also appreciated how sympathetic he portrays his characters. Masterfully written. A bargain price at only $2.99 for such a rich reading experience. Enjoy!
May 21, 2019
I loved this book, as I knew that I would! It’s no surprise that I love historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this look at Abe Lincoln in his younger days before his path to presidency. I learned so much about him, as well as the debutante named Mary, who catches his attention with her debates and keen political mind. I also loved the relationship of Abe and Joshua, who have a deep friendship. It was such a heartwarming tender story and it gets all the stars from me!
*Thank you to Algonquin for the complimentary Advanced Reader’s Copy
*Thank you to Algonquin for the complimentary Advanced Reader’s Copy
February 13, 2020
#bookreview time! Thank you to @algonquinbooks for including me in your blog tour for Louis Bayard’s Courting Mr. Lincoln.
The paperback (pictured here) was just published yesterday, Feb. 11th and I am posting my review today, Feb. 12th, which is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday!
🎩🎩🎩
Louis Bayard spins just an absolutely lovely and compelling tale in Courting Mr. Lincoln. Alternating view points from Joshua Speed and Mary Todd, this tells the story of the love Lincoln had for his best friend Joshua Speed, and for his wife Mary Todd. The tale starts before Lincoln has even met Speed or Mary and finishes with Speed’s eventual marriage and Lincoln’s eventual marriage. With a lovely Epilogue told again from both Speed and Mary.
Louis Bayard wanted to tackle the oft written about notion that Lincoln and Speed’s relationship was perhaps more than just two friends. Perhaps there was a deeper love there. And, frankly, I love that theory. Was there more there? Of course we’ll never truly know, but yes most likely. A lot of men married because “that’s what men of a certain age do.” Marry because that’s what’s expected of them. Or, marry because for Lincoln it would help his political future.
I thought Bayard’s writing was superb. I thought his prose was elegant. He really made you feel like you were in the mid-1800’s. Even some of the classic terms from that time period were foreign to me and I had to do a little googling!
I thought he really captured the spirit of Lincoln, Speed, and Mary Todd. Everything I know about Lincoln really made me feel Bayard did an excellent job of capturing likely what Lincoln’s attitude and eccentricities really were like. And what his relationships were really like. I really loved the last little bit, and I won’t give it away, but when Mary Todd learns of something Lincoln has gotten himself into and journeys to stop him.
This was a great, heartwarming five-star read for me! And I’d love to read more from Louis Bayard!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The paperback (pictured here) was just published yesterday, Feb. 11th and I am posting my review today, Feb. 12th, which is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday!
🎩🎩🎩
Louis Bayard spins just an absolutely lovely and compelling tale in Courting Mr. Lincoln. Alternating view points from Joshua Speed and Mary Todd, this tells the story of the love Lincoln had for his best friend Joshua Speed, and for his wife Mary Todd. The tale starts before Lincoln has even met Speed or Mary and finishes with Speed’s eventual marriage and Lincoln’s eventual marriage. With a lovely Epilogue told again from both Speed and Mary.
Louis Bayard wanted to tackle the oft written about notion that Lincoln and Speed’s relationship was perhaps more than just two friends. Perhaps there was a deeper love there. And, frankly, I love that theory. Was there more there? Of course we’ll never truly know, but yes most likely. A lot of men married because “that’s what men of a certain age do.” Marry because that’s what’s expected of them. Or, marry because for Lincoln it would help his political future.
I thought Bayard’s writing was superb. I thought his prose was elegant. He really made you feel like you were in the mid-1800’s. Even some of the classic terms from that time period were foreign to me and I had to do a little googling!
I thought he really captured the spirit of Lincoln, Speed, and Mary Todd. Everything I know about Lincoln really made me feel Bayard did an excellent job of capturing likely what Lincoln’s attitude and eccentricities really were like. And what his relationships were really like. I really loved the last little bit, and I won’t give it away, but when Mary Todd learns of something Lincoln has gotten himself into and journeys to stop him.
This was a great, heartwarming five-star read for me! And I’d love to read more from Louis Bayard!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 4, 2019
Algonquin Books gave me an advance copy of this book for free in exchange for my reading it and providing an objective review.
This book captured my attention very quickly and then held it through its conclusion. The story is told between 2 alternating perspectives: one, Mary Todd, future wife of Abraham Lincoln, and the other, Joshua Speed, who was Lincoln's best buddy and roommate for many years in Springfield, Illinois. Each of them provides a look into Lincoln the man within the context of 19th century politics and society. The writing in this book is excellent. It reminded me of the Victorian novel, where the reader becomes completely immersed into setting, culture and mores of that time. There's not much action in the book either. The story moves along at a slow pace but I found it be captivating and looked forward to picking it up each day to see what would happen next with the characters.
Overall, I found this book to be a pleasant surprise, and I want to thank Algonquin books for giving me an early opportunity to read it. It will be available more widely in April 2019. I highly recommend it.
This book captured my attention very quickly and then held it through its conclusion. The story is told between 2 alternating perspectives: one, Mary Todd, future wife of Abraham Lincoln, and the other, Joshua Speed, who was Lincoln's best buddy and roommate for many years in Springfield, Illinois. Each of them provides a look into Lincoln the man within the context of 19th century politics and society. The writing in this book is excellent. It reminded me of the Victorian novel, where the reader becomes completely immersed into setting, culture and mores of that time. There's not much action in the book either. The story moves along at a slow pace but I found it be captivating and looked forward to picking it up each day to see what would happen next with the characters.
Overall, I found this book to be a pleasant surprise, and I want to thank Algonquin books for giving me an early opportunity to read it. It will be available more widely in April 2019. I highly recommend it.
March 8, 2019
Courting Mr. Lincoln is a fast, amusing historic novel. It captures Abraham Lincoln's early years in Springfield, Illinois in 1840. Told in alternating points of view of Mary Todd and Joshua Speed, who both had important relationships with Lincoln. The Todd sections capture what life must have been like for an intelligent young woman in a society where the expectation is that she will marry. I hadn't heard of Joshua Speed, but was intrigued by his very close relationship with Lincoln and the strength of their friendship. The portrayal of Speed provides a glimpse of what life would be like for a totally closeted gay man. The author does a good job portraying the importance of this kind of male friendship. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historic fiction.
I received an Advance Reader's copy of this book, which will be published in April 2019.
I received an Advance Reader's copy of this book, which will be published in April 2019.
May 4, 2019
A very delightful book that reads like a fictional romance detailing the early political life of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois where he meets the politically savvy Mary Todd.
Edit Add-on:
Joshua Speed, Lincoln's best friend in Springfield gets treated 50-50 with Mary in Abe's relationships. Frankly, I was not familiar with Speed and the long controversy over whether Lincoln was gay or not. This book does not lead the reader to conclude anything other than a strong friendship but simply relies on the known facts that the two men slept in the same bed as roommates.
It was well done and beautifully told.
Edit Add-on:
Joshua Speed, Lincoln's best friend in Springfield gets treated 50-50 with Mary in Abe's relationships. Frankly, I was not familiar with Speed and the long controversy over whether Lincoln was gay or not. This book does not lead the reader to conclude anything other than a strong friendship but simply relies on the known facts that the two men slept in the same bed as roommates.
It was well done and beautifully told.
July 11, 2022
I loved every minute of this book! It's hard to say whether I enjoyed Mary Todd's or Joshua Speed's POV the most.
Getting to know more about Lincoln through the eyes of those who cared for him most was magical. Even though this was a novelized version of 1839-1843, it didn't seem romanticized or glammed up. Just a somewhat surmised account of what those years might have looked like.
Speed and Lincoln had a very close, deep, symbiotic relationship. It came off very treasured and dependent to me (which could also be surmised to be sexual, but thanks to the authors lack of conclusion one way or the other, I didn't read it that way). But their relationship understandably struggled when Mary entered the picture. Which is why I quite liked the epilogue with them in 1860.
Mary Todd often gets a bit of a bad rap for being impossible to live with. That wasn't so much the impression during these years, but she certainly was "too" politically-minded and impulsive for a woman of her day (as were many women who married rising politicians throughout history). An epilogue suggests that most of her depression, illness, and the like came on later in life surrounding the death of three of her sons and her husband in 1850, 1862, 1865, and 1871 before her own death in 1882.
Lincoln was just gaining popularity. He was still socially awkward, a budding orator, and just a little too uncouth and unseemly for society's taste. But everyone respected him, which says a lot about the subtle power of his manner and how he won elections.
The story is very well-written, and I enjoyed all the historical and political aspects just as much as the relational, with all its wit and hardship.
Recommended for ages 16+ for the sophisticated writing, several minor vulgar references, and two mildly written wedding nights.
Getting to know more about Lincoln through the eyes of those who cared for him most was magical. Even though this was a novelized version of 1839-1843, it didn't seem romanticized or glammed up. Just a somewhat surmised account of what those years might have looked like.
Speed and Lincoln had a very close, deep, symbiotic relationship. It came off very treasured and dependent to me (which could also be surmised to be sexual, but thanks to the authors lack of conclusion one way or the other, I didn't read it that way). But their relationship understandably struggled when Mary entered the picture. Which is why I quite liked the epilogue with them in 1860.
Mary Todd often gets a bit of a bad rap for being impossible to live with. That wasn't so much the impression during these years, but she certainly was "too" politically-minded and impulsive for a woman of her day (as were many women who married rising politicians throughout history). An epilogue suggests that most of her depression, illness, and the like came on later in life surrounding the death of three of her sons and her husband in 1850, 1862, 1865, and 1871 before her own death in 1882.
Lincoln was just gaining popularity. He was still socially awkward, a budding orator, and just a little too uncouth and unseemly for society's taste. But everyone respected him, which says a lot about the subtle power of his manner and how he won elections.
The story is very well-written, and I enjoyed all the historical and political aspects just as much as the relational, with all its wit and hardship.
Recommended for ages 16+ for the sophisticated writing, several minor vulgar references, and two mildly written wedding nights.
October 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book because it gave Lincoln a personality and brought this iconic figure to life for me. In other books I've read, Lincoln has been more unapproachable or a distant figure. Here, he was just so socially awkward that he became endearing. I did find the end somewhat rushed and out of step with the rest of the book- considering it quickly jumps from their wedding night to Mary's twilight years' reminisces without much in between.
February 22, 2020
Courting Mr. Lincoln was an interesting read that focuses on the young, intelligent and spirited Mary Todd as well as the long bromance between Lincoln and Joshua Speed. This was all news to me and was extremely fascinating. A must read for those who enjoyed My Dear Hamilton.
May 15, 2019
DNFing at 7% bc there are people with holds on my library copy and I am so bored that they should have this instead. Dunno what it is but this was not what I expected.
February 13, 2020
Thank you Algonquin for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Courting Mr. Lincoln
By: Louis Bayard
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
As presidents go, I'm betting you've heard of Abraham Lincoln. He remains one of, if not the, most popular presidents of all time. How much do you know about his earlier life when he met his future wife? Mary Todd Lincoln is often portrayed as a tragic grieving woman, but what was she like before she became the First Lady? Courting Mr. Lincoln takes a look at the courtship of Mary and Abraham Lincoln, as told by Mary and Speed, Lincoln's roommate and friend. In the story, Mary is spirited, sassy and easy to like. She is nothing like the sad woman she, apparently, becomes later. We see Lincoln through Mary as they develop a relationship, and it's a sweet easy portrayal. On the other hand, Lincoln is seen through Speed, his roommate. Speed seems to be jealous of Mary and the growing fondness between her and Lincoln. The question is why? As pure speculation, the question of whether Lincoln and Speed were more than friends just hovers in the background. Although fictional, I felt like I was reading nonfiction. I love the premise of the story. Abraham Lincoln is a serious stoic figure as president, and I had never really considered him as a young man, and it's compelling to see quite differently. The author does a remarkable job of portraying the time and place, and the characters are genuine, realistic and likeable. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction enthusiasts of Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln or the time period. An absolutely terrific read!
Courting Mr. Lincoln
By: Louis Bayard
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
As presidents go, I'm betting you've heard of Abraham Lincoln. He remains one of, if not the, most popular presidents of all time. How much do you know about his earlier life when he met his future wife? Mary Todd Lincoln is often portrayed as a tragic grieving woman, but what was she like before she became the First Lady? Courting Mr. Lincoln takes a look at the courtship of Mary and Abraham Lincoln, as told by Mary and Speed, Lincoln's roommate and friend. In the story, Mary is spirited, sassy and easy to like. She is nothing like the sad woman she, apparently, becomes later. We see Lincoln through Mary as they develop a relationship, and it's a sweet easy portrayal. On the other hand, Lincoln is seen through Speed, his roommate. Speed seems to be jealous of Mary and the growing fondness between her and Lincoln. The question is why? As pure speculation, the question of whether Lincoln and Speed were more than friends just hovers in the background. Although fictional, I felt like I was reading nonfiction. I love the premise of the story. Abraham Lincoln is a serious stoic figure as president, and I had never really considered him as a young man, and it's compelling to see quite differently. The author does a remarkable job of portraying the time and place, and the characters are genuine, realistic and likeable. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction enthusiasts of Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln or the time period. An absolutely terrific read!
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