In the internationally bestselling vein of The Paris Wife and Z: a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald this biographical novel is set in the early 1900s when polite Chicago society was rocked by terrible scandal when renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright , ran off with Mamah Cheney , a client’s wife.
Abandoning their families and reputations, the lovers fled to Europe and exile. Mamah’s actions branded her an unnatural mother and society relished her persecution.
For the rest of her life Mamah paid an extraordinary price for moving outside society’s rules, in a time that was unforgiving of a woman’s quest for fulfilment and personal happiness. Headstrong and honest, her love for Frank was unstoppable. This portrait of her life as his muse and soulmate is a moving, passionate and timeless love story with a shocking conclusion.
Dive into a passionate and scandalous love affair that shook early 20th-century America with Nancy Horan's captivating novel, *Loving Frank: the scandalous love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mameh Cheney*. This bestselling biographical fiction, reminiscent of *The Paris Wife* and *Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald*, intricately portrays the life of Mamah Borthwick Cheney, a woman who defied societal expectations in pursuit of love and personal fulfillment. Imagine the audacity a renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, abandoning his wife and children to run off with Mamah, the wife of one of his clients. Their scandalous elopement to Europe ignited a firestorm of public outrage. Mamah, a woman of intellect and independent spirit, was branded an "unnatural mother" and ostracized by polite society. This "Later Printing" edition invites you to explore the profound consequences she faced for daring to challenge the rigid constraints placed upon women during a time of immense social change. Nancy Horan masterfully recreates Mamah's inner world, revealing her intellectual hunger, her yearning for equality, and her undeniable connection with Wright. More than just a mistress, Mamah was Wright's muse, his intellectual equal, and a woman who understood his artistic vision like no other. The novel delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring the creative energy they ignited in each other, while also acknowledging the devastation left in their wake. *Loving Frank* transcends a simple love story. It's a poignant exploration of female identity, societal pressures, and the price of following one's heart. Horan meticulously researched the lives of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney, drawing from historical records and personal letters to craft a compelling and authentic narrative. While Wright's genius has long been celebrated, this novel gives voice to the often-overlooked story of the woman who inspired him, inviting readers to consider the sacrifices she made and the societal forces that condemned her. Through Horan's evocative prose, you'll be transported to the architectural wonders Wright created, the vibrant intellectual circles they frequented, and the emotional turmoil they endured. Prepare to be captivated by this moving and ultimately tragic tale of love, ambition, and the enduring struggle for personal freedom. *Loving Frank* is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, biographical novels, and stories that explore the complexities of the human heart. This paperback edition from Two Roads contains 432 pages, perfect for losing yourself in Mamah's world.