The House of Lincoln

Nancy Horan's historical novel offers an insightful look at Lincoln's Springfield through the eyes of a young asylum-seeker named Ana Ferreira, who finds herself working in the Lincoln household. As Ana observes the evolving ideals of Lincoln and the complexities of Mary Lincoln, she also witnesses the impact of slavery and the town’s social upheavals, culminating in the lesser-known Springfield race riot of 1908. The story provides a rich, nuanced perspective on pivotal moments in American history that continue to resonate today.