Nancy Horan - Loving Frank

Pros: A stunning snapshot of an artistic and spiritual love affair

Cons: Very graphic violence in last several chapters

The Bottom Line: I greatly enjoyed this period romance between feminist Mamah Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright. Full of artistic flourishes and period detail.

Review: Nancy Horan's first novel Loving Frank chronicles the long-term love affair between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress Mamah Borthwick. Based on Wright's autobiography, old newspaper clippings, census reports, and letters from Mamah to ...

Pros: A wonderfully told story, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: If you love a good story, historical accuracy, erudition, and lyrical prose, this book delivers all. A must read.

Review: Nancy Horan gives us a wonderfully compelling, honest and moving portrait of the young genius Frank Wright, through the eyes of the love of his life, Mamah Cheney. I have always admired Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, but confess to knowing nothing ...

Pros: Well done descriptions of the agonies of the thing

Cons: a little long, even at 350 pages.

The Bottom Line: Although well written, this book is a big downer. Read it if you are just too happy with your life.

Review: This is a tragic love story, much akin to Madame Bovary's trials. Mamah has left her family - her little children and a doting husband along with her unmarried sister - to take up with an artist. This is something like running away to join the circus. ...