PVE Book Discussion Group’s Presidents’ Day Pick
The PVE Book Discussion Group‘s literary pick for Presidents’ Day is, Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival. The novel focuses on American history of the Civil War period in Washington, D.C., and portrays the rivalry that existed between Mary Todd Lincoln and the daughter of Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase.
Beautiful and regal, young Kate Chase Sprague stepped into the role of establishing her father in Washington society as a cabinet member and as a future presidential candidate. Though Mrs. Lincoln and her young rival had much in common—political acumen, love of country and a resolute determination to help the men they loved achieve greatness—they could never be friends, for the success of one could come only at the expense of the other.
Jennifer Chiaverini, author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, maintains a style of Victorian narrative and this tour de force in stylistic prose adds a unique quality to an astute and lively novel of the politics of state.
An appropriate selection for February, Presidents’ Month, the book concentrates on the lives of the women of Washington, D.C. and is sure to provoke animated discussion.
