This wasn’t easy to read. I empathized strongly with Mamah but couldn’t agree with her reasoning. It was an interesting study of someone who tries unsuccessfully to rationalize a way of living that is contrary to social norms – not that I always agree with “social norms” – but there were mitigating circumstances here. It was sometimes depressing but always interesting and well written. It gave me a lot to think about.

Loving Frank tells the story of Mamah Brothwick, the mistress of Frank Lloyd Wright for several years. Despite a strong opening, this novel did not live up to its promise. I failed to connect with either of the two main charaacters or feel the passion of their relationship as it was described. The shocking ending - although historically accurate - was jarring and seemed to underline the pointlessness of the story. I’d say Horan wasn’t up to the job she gave herself in chronicling Mamah’s life with Wright and untimely death.