Friday, June 28, 2013

Frank Lloyd Wright and the Tragedy of Taliesen

I've just finished reading a really good, superbly informative and astonishing book, Loving Frank, written by Nancy Horan. Loving Frank is historical fiction based on the romantic relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and one of his clients, the beautiful Mamah (pronounced May-muh) Borthwick (June 19, 1869 - August 15, 1914)
The depth and emotional impact of this book are remarkable. This is definitely a "can't-put-it-down" read, packed with details regarding Frank Lloyd Wright's family life, creativity, and perplexing personality. 
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But the star of this book is the remarkable Martha "Mamah" Borthwick. Her story is truly a case of fact being just as sensational as fiction.
Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick met when Wright designed and built a house for Mamah and her husband Edwin Cheney in Oak Park, Illinois.
When Wright and Borthwick impulsively fled Oak Park for Europe in 1909, they left behind Wright's tenacious wife, Mamah's baffled husband, nine aggrieved children (including a daughter of Mamah’s dead sister) and a rabidly interested American press.

Upon their return from Europe, they settled in Wisconsin, where Frank designed his legendary prairie house Taliesin as their new home.


In the tragic and startling outcome of this true story, Nancy Horan depicts the events as devastating, almost beyond comprehension, and she writes this book vibrantly enough to make her readers agree. For any reader who is unfamiliar with the horrific tragedy at Taliesen, the conclusion is shattering. 

8 comments:

Joanne Cage said...

Your comment/review is compelling. Because of it, I have just ordered this book online.

Joanne Cage said...

I read the book yesterday. Very disturbing.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Between your well written review and M's very dramatic and gossipy account, I'm intrigued. Will put it on my list.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Joanne read the book YESTERDAY. I give up.

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you for sharing this review! Your words make it all the more intriguing. This is another one I will have to add to my list.

lol "Yesterday". I wish I could read a book in a single day. :)

possum said...

Guess this is another book I will have to read...

Unknown said...

Just finished this book - a random purchase, that turned out to be so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed the story behind the man I have only known through his professional accomplishments. Mamah is my new Shero!

Unknown said...

Just finished this book - a random purchase, that turned out to be so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed the story behind the man I have only known through his professional accomplishments. Mamah is my new Shero!