I admire Varina Davis because of the many trials and tribulations she suffered and for her progressive ideas, some of which she could not express because of her husband's positions. After reading this book, I will never again have much respect for Jefferson Davis because of his treatment of her, including his philandering. While he was away for extended periods, she had the entire responsibility for the family, yet he seemed not to appreciate her. The book was well-written, but was not an easy book to digest.