A Perspective of 19th Century America From a Woman Who Bought Her Freedom: My Review of Elizabeth Keckley’s View Behind the Scenes

I love the Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes because it's a primary source.

Hollywood has always been a source for historical understanding, and lately, so has Broadway. But it shouldn't be assumed to be accurate. It's entertainment! That said, if shows like Hamilton and Oh Mary or films and series' like Napolean and Franklin draw attention to history- cool.

And if it brings new people to this blog and even better, to diving into primary source documents to learn more about the people who lived our history- I'm on board!

Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House is the topic of this post, so let's jump in.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Keckley sharing her enduring relationship with the Garlands.

Synopsis of Elizabeth Keckley's book.

Why is this book a primary source?

Mrs. Keckley wrote this book, I'll call it a memoir, while it was fresh - it's her story. Her words. It's primary source material because it's a first-person perspective.

She is unapologetic (and I personally love that as some of you who've followed the Free At 50 blog know!). In a time when freedom is romanticized, she is transparent about the reality of it.

A woman who worked hard to put food on the table, not just for herself but for her masters to be able to do it for her (yes, you heard that correctly), she was clearly wicked smart, determined, and importantly- realistic.

Her methodical approach to leaving a life of slavery by purchasing her freedom, while never compromising her beliefs, is beyond admirable.

But then... she is open about what she sees in others.

Elizabeth Keckley brings perspective and the human element I crave to slavery and, the reality of freedom to individuals who'd been enslaved all their their lives and suddenly had the freedom to "go" but nowhere to "go."

And to the Civil War (including conversations happening on the eve of it), a grieving First Lady, and the overall environment from Virginia and Mississippi to St. Louis, Washington D.C. and New York City.

You'll relive her darkest moments as a slave and witness to Mary Todd Lincoln's absolute shock and grief after President Lincoln is assassinated, to the light. You may be surprised at her conversations in Jefferson Davis' D.C. home and her relationship with Mrs. Davis.

In short, you'll fall down the rabbit hole of one 19th century American woman's life.

Her life story as written is a humble view of an extraordinary life. Her natural conversational tone will make you feel like you're sitting on her front porch with a pitcher of tea and a cool breeze as she shares the situations, decisions, and people who she felt compelled to write about.

Let's be honest: this is HER perspective. Her recollections.

Not all of her contemporaries may have the same resulting viewpoints and memories; maybe that's an opportunity to dig deeper into the primary sources available for that period?

RELATED: Read more about primary sources by clicking here.

Keckley recounting the scene of President Lincoln and his son before the crowds assembled in Washington D.C.

3 Ways to get her words into your life

I read Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes using my Kindle. (Which I LOVE.)

So here's how you can do it:

1) Purchase the paperback or hardcover by clicking here.

2) Grab it on Kindle. And if you want to sign up for Kindle Unlimited (do the free trial to start!) click here.

3) Listen to the audiobook. If you want to join Amazon's Audible program, click here.

If it happens to be available in your local public library - awesome!

Closing words from history

To close out this post, where I've dropped bits of Mrs. Keckley's words in the graphics above, I've chosen an excerpt from President Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address, where Mrs. Keckley was present. Click here to read the transcription in full on the National Park Service's website.

United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1865

....

Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes.

....

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post unless otherwise credided! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.

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