Dear Abigail - Review

Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revoloutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters by Diane Jacobs

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  This is the story of Abigail Adams and her relationship with her 2 sisters.  Their relationship is explored in historical context through letters, narrative and documents of the time period.  It is also wonderfully illustrated with photographs or paintings of everything from the houses and people that factor in the girls' lives to the carriage they would've used.

Genre: Non-Fiction

My Impression: Abigail is definitely not an unknown wife of history.  Her role as John Adams' wife, friend and confidant has been clearly shown in a number of books and the mini-series HBO did a few years ago (LOVE - find it and watch it.  The casting alone is amazing).  I knew she was strong, intelligent and well-read but that was about it but really even that is shown not as Abigail herself but as Mrs. John Adams.  I know very little about Abigail herself, her family or her upbringing.  That is until I read this book.  Jacobs does a fantastic job presenting the information in a clear and informative manner without getting too bogged down in irrelevant detail.  It's really a fascinating look at not only the life of an early influential American woman but also just how women were brought up in America during the 18th century.  The relationships of Abigail's sisters and their families were explored which not only allowed me to get to know 2 women who I had never even really known existed but also helped flesh Abigail out a little more.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Yes

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Definitely - I already know a few people who may be seeing this book as a birthday or Christmas gift!