DOLLEY

Rating:
Summary: A cup of melted ice cream
Review: I have to say I was disappointed in this novel; I was looking for more detail on daily life and less imaginary cocktail parties and political history redone up as a novel. I doubt Dolly Madison thought or conversed as she is portrayed here. She is indeed a "dolly", puppet for a history lesson from Author Brown. It was a quick read and a fun view into American history so I give it 3 stars, but for style and substance, it's lacking.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting blend of history and fiction - a good read!
Review: Rita Mae Brown delivers again...recommended reading! Dolley has a good flavor of Madison's era. Fortunately its written as a novel and not a textbook, making it very readable and occasionally juicy. I found it to be a gentle way to get acquainted with - and interested in - early American history. Interested enough to go seek out Dolley Madison's memoirs and letters...too bad they are out of print :(

Rating:
Summary: A pale historical account
Review: This is a book long on accounts of parties and gossipy tidbits and short on historical accounts Dolley must have felt real horror as the British approached but this was not really portrayed in the book. Her servants seemed much more frightened. Dolley was more concerned with the politics of the day than with actual living. Altogether this book would not be missed if not read