Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publish Date: August 2007
Pages: -
Format: Kobo
ISBN: 978-0345502254

Loving Frank is a fictional recreation of the true story of the adulterous affair between Frank Llyod Wright and Mamah Cheney.

In 1903 Mamah Cheney and her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a new home for them.  During the construction of the house, a powerful attraction developed between Mamah and Frank, and in time the lovers, each married with children embark on a course that would shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.

My Thoughts
In the debut novel by Nancy Horan, fact and fiction blend together skillfully.  While many have considered Mamah a footnote in the life of America’s greatest architect, Horan gives full weight to their dramatic love story and Cheney’s profound influence on Wright.  It’s the mix of fact and fiction that fills in the blanks of a story that is typically unknown.

The Story, in which is told from the view point of Mamah, near the end of the book reveals a startling and unexpected twist you won’t see coming.  The pace and intensity may lag a bit in the middle and drop off after the tragic events on 1914, which anyone with former knowledge of the outcome of Frank and Mamah’s life together knows a terrible end is in store for them, but Horan somehow arranges for it to sneak up on the reader.  In this way, the author puts readers in Frank Lloyd Wright’s place, as we discover the aftermath through his eyes.

Do yourself a favour and refrain from Wikipedia searches while you’re midway through the story.  That way, you can fully enjoy the impact of this remarkable book.

My Rating: ««««

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The reviews made here are my personal opinion. I’m not being paid to review any of these books. I am by no means a professional book reviewer or editor.  I do this for the love of books.