Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.35 You Save: $11.65 (78%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Loving Frank: A Novel
Book Review: A Treasure that's been around for a while: Gem of a first novel
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't believe I've only just now read this book when it seems to have been out there for quite some time! Growing up in Chicago, very near Oak Park, it's impossible not to have some knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright. This brilliant first novelist takes all the facts and then weaves a tale that rings with truth about a life-altering chapter in Frank Lloyd Wright's life. What you get isn't scandal but a real love story; two people who fall in love with significant consequences because it is, after all the turn of the century, and they are each already married with children.
Get past that her name is Mamah (May-muh). Miss Horan brings you firmly into the lives of FLW and his dear Mamah, who captivates him with her ability to catch his mind, as well as his eye. The themes of allowing room and creating space for one's own inner self and soul to come to full bloom whether male or female, allowing that a woman can be brilliant irrespective of her roles as wife and mother, that a man can be both strong genius and vulnerable seeker of truth, are as fresh today as they were somewhat innovative then. There are many books written about free thinkers who were trapped by the ideology of their time. This book is about two who understood the ideology of the time but also managed to create a place for themselves in spite of it; and creating space was what FLW was all about.
I won't say much more, other reviewers have well and better beat me to it. What I will say is that this book is a journey well worth taking. Miss Horan is a beautiful, lyrical writer. Don't miss it!
Book Review: Definitely worth the read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to quit saying, "This is the best book I've ever read!" so, this is one of the best. If you like history, architecture, human emotion and great writing - you'll love this book. I knew about Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) but had no idea about his personal life and how it shaped him throughout his career. Nancy Horan pieced together facts and personalities to make this book come to life. Whether you agree with the decisions Frank and his mistress, Mamah, made or not - it makes for a great discussion. I would highly recommend it for your book club.
Most people have heard about FLW and this book gives you a humanistic understanding to his background. You learn more about Frank while at the same time get a glimpse of what the early 1900's society was like. Wow, what an ego he had! My favorite FLW quote Nancy included was, "Rules were made for ordinary men and therefore don't apply to me because I'm extraordinary" or something like that. Nonetheless, his vision was genius. His story, remarkable.
The nice surprise, or tragedy, was the background Ms. Horan dug up on Mamah. Her decisions alone would make for a heated discussion among a group. This is what makes a book really good. Nancy presents the facts in a beautifully written piece. I would highly recommend reading this book. And if you can ever get a chance to see one of FLW's buildings - don't miss it.
Book Review: ~ MY STORY WITH ~ Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Summary: 5 Stars
In the book Loving Frank, Nancy Horan presents Frank Lloyd Wright's life thru Mamah Borthwick Cheney's eyes. It allows us to learn more about him as a person, a father, a husband, an architect, a lover, but specially as a dreamer. At the same time, has the duality to present the life of a woman back in 1900's when they were considered as part of their husband's trusts.
Mamah Borthwick Cheney is an incredible narrator in the story. It is more than the main character, it is the voice of the novel. She is a type of filter to shed light on all the events surrounding her. You not only will get to meet Frank, but you will enter a time of great cultural achievements in America.
Nancy Horan interrelates all the stories to create a great line of events than shaped the lives of all the characters in the story. The characters are developed exquisitely and the book is well written. She did an extensive investigation and integrates the real life facts of the characters with the fiction lines of the novel. In a way they turn into one.
The book is an easy read and will keep you attached to it. It is a great way to learn interesting facts about American culture and development as well as an easy way to learn more about the Woman's movement. For those of you looking for your creative identity, Mamah will be a great inspiration.
Book Review: Loving the Excellent Writing
Summary: 5 Stars
This remarkable work of fiction is well worth reading for many reasons. First and foremost, it is extremely well written and very well crafted. Author, Nancy Horan, a resident of Oak Park, Illinois, spent seven years researching the material and it shows through her storytelling. Piecing together recorded history with her imagination and clear love-of-the-subject, this is one of the best books I've experienced in a long time.
My initial interest in Frank Lloyd Wright, the man, was sparked by a childhood spent in the western suburbs of Chicago, including a stint in Oak Park, where Wright's studio remains. I can therefore appreciate the author's fascination with the reason for Wright's departure from Oak Park. She does not sugarcoat the subjects. Both Frank Lloyd Wright and his lover/mistress, Mamah Borthwick Cheney, are not entirely likeable characters. On the contrary. They are, nevertheless, as fascinating today as they were as the subjects of the sensational newspaper articles that appeared about them in the early Twentieth Century when they abandoned their spouses and children in order to pursue a life together.
Highly recommended for those interested in historical fiction, architecture, the women's suffrage movement, and, of course, anything about Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a real eye-opener, filled with drama, reality and tragedy.
Book Review: Choices and consequences
Summary: 5 Stars
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan is, in its simplest form, about a woman with deep emotional struggles set in the backdrop of the early nineteen hundreds. But this novel is anything but simple. This is the story of Mamah Borthwick Cheney who had to make tough choices in an effort to follow what her heart was feeling and about the high price she had to pay.
At this point I needn't tell you that this story isn't about the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, but about the sordid details of the affair and the way the tabloid blew this relationship way out of proportion. It's funny when you think about it, really. Today, nearly one hundred years after the event the media still craves the blood of celebrities who make similar decisions.
If there is anything bad to say about this novel (and I'm reaching here) is the book takes a few chapters to get the steam engine going. Bud like I said, that's really stretching. Nancy Horan does an exquisite job in bringing this story to life. You'll find yourself sympathizing with Mamah Borthwick Cheney as her love for Mr. Wright tears apart this seemingly love stricken woman. From the inspiring choice by one family and the consequences that resulted this is a must read for all fans of true love.
I'd also recommend reading the highly rated novel: The Fates by Georgiou: Fates (classic)