This isn't the first time I've started a post with the words: "It was standing-room only at Left Bank Books…" Last evening's reading by best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini (in red above) warrants the same opening lines. The crowd of over 100 people bought all 50 copies of her book, Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker (more will be in the store Tuesday or Wednesday). Whether the draw was Ms. Chiaverini, who has written twenty-one novels, or the introduction of seamstress Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley in the award-winning movie Lincoln, fans were shoulder to shoulder, even peering through gaps in the bookshelves to follow the lively conversation.
It never surprises me to hear that someone of note spent time in St. Louis. Elizabeth Keckley lived here for ten years making dresses for St. Louis families. One of the attendees last evening said that the Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Avenue, has a wax model of Elizabeth Keckley in its exhibition. The seamstress was able to buy freedom for herself and her son with help from some of her clients, and left for New York soon afterwards. She eventually made her way to Washington, D.C., and the rest, as they say, is history.
Author Jennifer Chiaverini mentioned last evening that she hopes filmmaker Steven Spielberg picks up Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker. Those in attendance at the reading seem to hope so too.
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, $26.95, will be available at Left Bank Books 399 N. Euclid, next Tues. or Weds. The e-book version is available on the bookstore's website right here, $12.99. Kris Kleindienst, co-owner of Left Bank Books, said that author Jennifer Chiaverini signed bookplates that will be inserted in the books when they arrive in the store.