I was led to this book from the source list in Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker. Sometimes historical fiction makes me want to learn the history, and this time it was easier than usual.

First praise goes to the book cover design and title: the two women shown as equals, the title listing them as equals.

The early chapters alternate between the childhoods of each woman. Gradually their lives and stories are more intertwined. Interpretations are interesting, like frequent references to Mary Lincoln's child source of comfort in her mammy and Elizabeth Keckly's past attitudes toward white mistresses as a slave.

There are references to the Civil War and to White House activities; however, these are kept in the background and always related to events in the two women's lives. Most interesting to me was the social history that accompanied the women's stories.