Madness of Mary Lincoln

[Gene C]

I can agree Jason was defending Robert's actions, but I didn't see the book as being anti-Mary.
I am glad you shared that.
Ruth Randall (who's books I enjoyed) is more sympathetic to Mary, Jason's book is more matter-of-fact style and goes into more detail about the time after Lincoln's assassination, has more information to share about May's physical and mental condition. Any sympathy the author may have toward her doesn't come through like Ms. Randall's writing. What does come through to me is that Mary had some physical and mental illness problems, needed help, and those close to her could not and didn't know how to give her the degree of help she needed. At one point, in trying to help his mother, there developed some serious friction between Robert's mother and his wife. What's a fellow to do? As with many cases of mental illness, there was some paranoia and resistance to help on Mary's part.
Eva, I appreciate your different perspective and hope others share too.