What Could Be the Worst Seat in the House?
Most
Americans are familiar with the fact that on April 14th 1865, one of
the most famous and beloved president of our time, Abraham Lincoln, was shot in
his box at Ford Theatre.
What many people don’t remember is that
President and Mrs. Lincoln were entertaining an engaged couple in their theatre
box; Clara Harris & Henry Rathbone.
Not only did Rathbone witness one of the greatest American tragedies,
but he was also stabbed by Lincoln’s murder, John Wilkes Booth. This book tells Henry’s story and what it
was like carry the burden of not being able save the President of the United
States. More than 10 years later, Henry
becomes consumed by madness and commits an act that is eerily similar to what
happened on the night of April 14th.
My Thoughts
I thought
this book had a great concept.
Personally, I was unaware that the Lincoln’s shared their box with
another couple. The author raises many
great points, such as in today’s world of social media. Henry Rathbone would have become an instant
celebrity. His story would have been all
over the internet and TV in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, in 1865, very little
information was gathered about Henry.
Due to this
fact, the author does make a lot of speculation on what may have happened and
what may have been going on through the mind of Rathbone.
It was a little disappointing that there
were not more facts but I do give the author credit for giving alternate
theories on various incidents. The author showing how Henry experienced
symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, was very interesting and has shown
how far we have come in medical advancements. This is an interesting read and a different
view of one of the American’s most famous historical events.
By Alicia Kociuba
Rating:
4/5
Please visit Caleb Jenner Stephens on his Facebook Page, His Twitter, and Website.
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