I have been standing on the side of life, watching it float by. I want to swim in the river. I want to feel the current.
So writes Mamah Borthwick Cheney in her diary as she struggles to justify her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright. Four years earlier, in 1903, Mamah and her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the renowned architect 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, embarked on a course that would shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.
~As seen on Amazon
A couple years ago a good friend of mine brought me this book. Her book club had just finished reviewing it and she said it was a “must read!”
The book went to the shelf and although I totally planned on reading it, there is always more books then there is time and two years later that book still is say on my shelf. Recently, I found ‘Loving Frank’ on audio and thought that this may be the way to go on this one.. and I am so glad I did.
Joyce Bean narrates and does a masterful job with the different voices on Mamah (pronounced May – mah), Frank, and the others who gather around their lives.
Frank’s story of his life and his long affair I am ashamed to admit, was all news to me. I had no idea of the mans life beyond his name and the architecture he is known for. I admit, I found his life to be quite interesting. Although he fathered six children with his wife, Frank did not seem to have a paternal bone in his body. Yet more interesting than even Frank, was Mamah. Having left her own husband and children for Frank I think has to be extremely had in that day and age, (not that it would not be now as well.) Beyond that Mamah believes a woman has a right to her own life and not just as a wife and mother. She is years ahead of her time in the feminist movement and something about her odd convictions made me want to know more about her.
Loving Frank is engaging and the best of historical fiction when it is done right. I enjoyed the book and was blown away with the ending which has my Googling like crazy to find out more.
Book Journey 
I read this several years ago and really liked it even though I didn’t love Frank!
Agreed. Frank was a jerk…. but still.. fascinating stuff! 😀
I don’t know anything about Frank’s life either. I do have this book but I think I put it in the bag of books to take to Goodwill. Maybe I need to check my bag out and put it back on the shelf?
Yes, get it back – well worth it!
I read this a few years ago and really enjoyed it. It put me on this huge FLW kick and I ended up reading a few biographies of him and digging deeper into his school of architecture, which is such a great thing to get from a piece of fiction.
I can see where that could happen…. I am really interested in knowing more as well 😀
I’ve seen this book around, but had not looked into it enough to realize what it was about. Now I’m intrigued….
I didnt know wither Laurel – so glad I finally read (listened) to it!
I read this a few years ago and really loved it. A few months later, I read The Women by T.C. Bpyle, which tells the story of Wright’s life through the four women he loved. I likes that also.
I will have to read that one! Thanks!
had no idea about his life, but toured a b&b he designed and built here on the Canadian prairies that is amazing… that is what I can admire.
Oh, I’m so glad to read your review! The audio has been on my wishlist to download for a few years now and I just never committed to it. I’m sure I’ll get to it soon now!
My book club read this a few years ago. I was unfamiliar with the history and what followed for those involved. Astounding! It was a powerful read that I have not forgotten. I may have to try the audio! Have a great week.
Happy Reading,
Rebecca @ The Key to the Gate
I read this for a book group a few years back and enjoyed it, too. Like you said, it made me want to learn more, and I was online looking at photos of Taliesin – I’m sure you know that is not too far from your neck of the woods! We visited that area of WI a few years ago, but my sons weren’t interested in touring a FLW house! Maybe when we retire – lol.
Glad you enjoyed it – the audio sounds great!
Sue
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very interesting, I don’t know much about Frank’s personal life either but this sounds like an entertaining read. thanks for sharing.