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needcoffeenow's review
5.0
I had purchased this book in the spring and it was on my "to read" shelf. Having grown up in Oak Park, the story intrigued me --- I don't know why I didn't start reading it sooner! But then....someone in my book club suggested it and it was chosen for our October book selection. I LOVED it!! I like that it told the story of the affair from Mamah Cheney's point-of-view. We hear so much about Frank Lloyd Wright and so it was nice that the author gave Mamah a voice. Prior to reading the novel, I thought of the whole affair as both of them just being extremely selfish to do what they did (running off to Europe together and leaving their families behind). Although I certainly don't agree with the choices that they made, the author did a wonderful job of getting inside Mamah's head so that I now at least empathize with her and can understand her motives. The author lived in Oak Park herself for 24 or 25 years which I really think helped her to make the story authentic. She obviously did a lot of research as well.
On a personal note, I found it neat to have mention of places that I have experienced. Mamah's son John attended Holmes Elementary School, as did I (it is located just down the street from Wright's Home & Studio, BTW). When Mamah suggests taking John to Petersen's for ice cream, that brought back many fond memories (Petersen's is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that locals know & love --- my brother had his first job there and later returned to manage the business office for the owners).
I would highly recommend this story to anyone with any interest in Wright or in women's fiction. This is Horan's first novel (hard for me to believe!) and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
On a personal note, I found it neat to have mention of places that I have experienced. Mamah's son John attended Holmes Elementary School, as did I (it is located just down the street from Wright's Home & Studio, BTW). When Mamah suggests taking John to Petersen's for ice cream, that brought back many fond memories (Petersen's is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that locals know & love --- my brother had his first job there and later returned to manage the business office for the owners).
I would highly recommend this story to anyone with any interest in Wright or in women's fiction. This is Horan's first novel (hard for me to believe!) and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
corrieherman's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve filled my reading list in the last few months with stories of women forced to live in the wrong time for their temperament. Progressive trendsetting ladies who may have not always made the best choices, but nevertheless tried to live true to themselves. They pushed against patriarchy and society’s traditions in order to find happiness, love and personal fulfillment. Loving Frank is a story of such a woman. Mamah Cheney was a woman who married a good man because that is what you do, especially as she was reaching the ‘old’ age of 30. But her heart and passion were rooted in intellect and education, not in the love of the opposite sex. While married, she fell in love with a man who fed her intellect. That the man was Frank Lloyd Wright, in my opinion, was of small consequence. He saw her as something other than a ‘female.’ In falling in love with him, she chose to chase the life she wanted versus the life she was expected to have.
That choice had consequences as they must. And had she lived 70 years later, they may not have been so dire, so difficult to live with. In the timing, her story becomes even more dramatic and painful.
In reading this fictionalized version of her story, I felt for her. The pulling apart of herself in directions with equal longing and desire. This novel is a tragic story. A relatable tragedy to a colorful and complicated woman.
“You're the one who told me once that the world can't forgive ambition in a woman.” - Loving Frank, Nancy Horan
That choice had consequences as they must. And had she lived 70 years later, they may not have been so dire, so difficult to live with. In the timing, her story becomes even more dramatic and painful.
In reading this fictionalized version of her story, I felt for her. The pulling apart of herself in directions with equal longing and desire. This novel is a tragic story. A relatable tragedy to a colorful and complicated woman.
“You're the one who told me once that the world can't forgive ambition in a woman.” - Loving Frank, Nancy Horan
minimarsh6's review against another edition
3.0
entertaining, interesting, but not a stick-with-you-for-weeks kind of book
kate_albers's review against another edition
4.0
A book so wonderful and thought-provoking, I wondered why I had never heard of Mamah Borthwick before. It grabs you at the beginning and never lets you go until the shocking conclusion (don't read anything about Frank Lloyd Wright or his life with Mamah if you want the ending to be a surprise). I loved this book.
jennifertlrc's review against another edition
5.0
It is rare that I give a 5 star review but I found this story fascinating. Historical fiction aside, it was well written and immersive. Mama was a woman, hardly known, that forged the way for so many forward thinking women. I had not known of her or Ellen Key before I read this book. Inspiring and influential lives. I was not prepared for the terrible tragedy at the end.
cbwiggy's review against another edition
2.0
I loved the history. I really enjoyed learning about Frank Lloyd Wright and the relationship was pretty fascinating and engaging...until well, you know. I did not see that coming.
mtiscareno's review against another edition
4.0
This book took a bit longer to read than expected. It was a beautifully written novel, and I enjoyed reading about Mamah Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright. It was a story I never had read about before, so the ending took me by surprise. While this is a work of fiction, it is based off of true events, so I felt like the author really took her time to research and try to learn as much as she could about Borthwick.
cbb59's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing book. Such a wasted life for this woman, who gave her all for FLW.