Friday, February 22, 2019

Loving Frank By Nancy Horan


This is a book for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is listed as Historical Fiction and is based on the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. At the time of the affair, both were married with children. Ms Horan, describes in harrowing detail, the struggles, these two encounter, to justify their affair. as they travel across 2 continents.

It was an historical scandal in 1914 Chicago, when Mamah Cheney announced, she was leaving her husband and children to travel with Frank Lloyd Wright. Ms. Cheney, was an educated women, who felt confined and stifled in her marriage. Once she met Frank, she welcomed the opportunity to break free from the strains of convention and explore the world. Ms Horan also vividly depicts the personality of Mr Wright, who she describes as egotistical, charismatic and melodramatic.

The book also discusses the 'weight' of Frank Lloyd Wright's influence on what he described as 'organic' architecture, which emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty. However, he was criticized for designing homes that were aesthetically pleasing, but lacked practicality. There are numerous debates on his architecture, as to whether they are art objects or houses?

The book is an exquisite tromp through Frank World, the consequences of a clandestine affair, travel and a bitter, tragic ending.

I also highly recommend Nancy Horan's other book, "Under the Wide and Starry Sky". Another historical novel, based on the marriage of Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Van De Grift Osbourne.
Unfortunately, these are the only 2 books Nancy Horan as written.

2 comments:

Joan said...

Nancy Hiram is a new author to me. I’ve always been interested in his architecture and toured one of his creations in Rochester NY. I didn’t know about his scandalous (at the time) affair. I look forward to reading it.

Anonymous said...

Red this book several years ago. Time to re read. Have recommended many times.