Helpful Score: 17
Well-told story blending historical accounts and fictional details about the sensationalized relationship of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. Horan allows you to delve into Mamah's psyche (as she sees how Mamah Cheney may have felt). Powerful and gripping - not a book I will soon forget.
Helpful Score: 12
I found this book absolutely enthralling from beginning to the end. It was quite interesting to read about a feminist in the beginning of the 1900's and her struggles with her personal decisions. It was very well written and I am interested to see what else this author will write.
Helpful Score: 7
Not being familiar with the particulars of Wright's life, I was stunned by the ending to this book. The ending made me weep, and I remained weepy for at least 24 hours. Otherwise, it's a wonderfully told story.
Helpful Score: 7
The book definitely picked up at the end. I struggled getting through it in the beginning though. This book was written as a piece of fiction, however it is based on events that did happen in Frank Lloyd Wright's life. The author appeared to write as close to the historical facts as possible, but did fill in the gaps with how she imagined Mamah and Frank's love life played out. Franky Lloyd Wright's architectural elements were described throughout the story as his homes he designed, in the novel, were described well by the author. If you are a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, it is worth reading, if not, this may be a book to pass up.
Helpful Score: 6
I had a hard time with what seems nonessential details, there were times I wondering why I was reading this seemingly trivial information. However, this information becomes important as you read on, weaving strands together and seeing the significance in understanding the characters. I had toured some of Wrights work but was completely unaware of the tragic and horrifying scenario that took place at Talesin. I then googled him and found even more "stranger than fiction" details about many other periods and events in his life. Nancy Horan did her homework and stayed close to essence of Mamah.