“Cokie Roberts regularly dissects the power dynamics of modern-day Washington. As an author, though, she’s demonstrated a special regard for the farther reaches of American history and its behind-the-scenes players.” — New York Times Book Review
“Roberts is a gifted narrator of Civil War history, weaving the experiences and perspectives of the women into a fresh and illuminating account of key battles and events, from John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry to the assassination of the president.” — Washington Post
“An engaging narrative…. Roberts documents the struggles of many women to overcome their second-class status.… [she] does not ignore the experiences of ‘ordinary’ women.” — Philadelphia Inquirer
“Helping to reverse...cultural ignorance in American history...Roberts again combines her historical interest and long personal knowledge of Washington politics... [and] unearths the important and unique role of women during the US Civil War.” — Christian Science Monitor
“An enlightening account detailing how the Civil War changed the nation’s capital while expanding the role of women in politics, health care, education, and social services. ” — Kirkus Reviews
“Another splendid female-centric slice of history. . . . Roberts illuminates how the harsh realities of the war changed the course of individual lives and permanently altered the course of American women’s history.” — Booklist
“The author’s extensive research...gives this fresh look at Washington, DC during the Civil War era a sense of intimacy, immediacy, and originality.... [A] well-written, readable study. . . . Informative and accessible.” — Library Journal