Attention Book Groups

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Here is a historical fiction selection for your book group.  New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini describes the extraordinary friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a former slave who won her freedom by the skill of her needle, and the friendship of the First Lady by her devotion.  In later years Elizabeth wrote a book about her life with Mrs. Lincoln, Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.  Upon its publication, Keckley's memoir created a scandal that compelled Mary Todd Lincoln to sever all ties with her, but in the decades since, Keckley's story has languished in the archives.  In this impeccably researched, engrossing novel, Chiaverini brings history to life in rich, moving style.

From Page to Screen -- Anna Karenina

So, there have been a bunch of screen adaptations of Anna Karenina, but here's one with a unique spin.  Watch this "featurette" clip for an upcoming adaptation....

...right.  I'm not quite sure what to make of that, either.
Anyway, in case you've not done so already, try to read the book.  I'm linking my favorite translation--by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky (very cool story--husband and wife translating team--he's American, she's Russian--they work together and come up with these incredibly easy to read, engaging translations of what can otherwise be kinda' daunting undertakings--their work on Dostoyevsky is really remarkable).  The film debuts on November 9.
So....  Yep--starting today, that's plenty of time to tackle a Russian classic!