A review by cornmaven
A Friend of Mr. Lincoln by Stephen Harrigan

5.0

Nice historical fiction for Lincolnphiles like me. Harrigan creates a fictional poet who meets and is befriended by Lincoln during the 1830s up to 1846, while Lincoln is deep into Whig politics, riding the 8th Judicial circuit, and building his practice in Springfield. It's a very human portrait of Lincoln, who is often beset with depression, conflicted on slavery, and uncertain about women and whom to marry. Mary Todd is treated from a 19th century male perspective, even though Cage Weatherby realizes she is hampered by the gender restrictions of the day. His status as a poet sets him apart from the typical male attitude of the day. The novel ends as the war begins.

Loved the interplay between Lincoln and Weatherby, and the exposure of Lincoln's crude side, while still maintaining his greatness. I liked the character of Ellie and her relationship with Weatherby. The duel chapters were hilarious and exposed how ridiculous duels and their rules were. Looking forward to reading some of the books that Harrigan used to inform himself as he wrote.