My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams
My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams by Abigail and John Adams
This was such an interesting idea and I really wish it had been easier to read. I loved that these editors decided to keep the majority of the letters between Abigail and John as well as keep everything in their own words, rather than other books that have spliced the letters so much you aren't quite sure if the context was altered. This book was refreshing and real by choosing to include all the letters.
However, it was difficult to read since it's 18th century English. There are so many references, words and phrases that are difficult to understand or interpret. Although the editors did add some background information between some letters, it was a bit sparingly in my opinion. I would have appreciated a few more explanations or short summaries before some letters just so I could understand more what they were discussing before reading the letters. I believe I would have enjoyed it more if I didn't often get lost.
It is amazing though to actually see how difficult it was to be married back then when one spouse was traveling. Sometimes they didn't hear from each other for several months, and if might be a letter that was short or opened and partially stolen. Not knowing your loved one is dead or alive for 6 months must have been extremely taxing and the fact you did not see your loved one for years but still were devoted is so admirable and shows what true love really means.
Definitely an interesting historic read, but I do think it got to be a bit too long since the letters were in their entirety and often I found myself lost since they were writing about so many random topics that didn't have context other than to each other. I'd recommend it, but warn someone that it can be a bit dry and long at times.
Synopsis: In 1762, John Adams penned a flirtatious note to “Miss Adorable," the 17-year-old Abigail Smith. In 1801, Abigail wrote to wish her husband John a safe journey as he headed home to Quincy after serving as president of the nation he helped create. The letters that span these nearly forty years form the most significant correspondence--and reveal one of the most intriguing and inspiring partnerships--in American history.