This first time author grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. She lived in the same neighborhood as the Cheney family. It took her seven years to research and write this book.
We all had limited knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright and some had been to his famous homes, but that was the extent of it. This book brought a much clearer picture of the man and his unconventional lifestyle. He was clearly a groundbreaking architect with his unusual styles. What we did not know was that his work in residential architecture was to pay the bills. His number one endeavor and passion was in commercial architecture. He married twice after his affair with Mamah and died at age 91.
We now know Frank Lloyd Wright to be an arrogant, eccentric, self-centered, but gifted man. He lied to Mamah, did not pay his debts, and seemed to be egocentric. He also seemed to be a bit of a mama's boy. Pat told us a little about his upbringing. His mother homeschooled her children. She surrounded Frank with geometric shapes, even putting pictures of cathedrals around his crib. His architectural designs often reflect angular lines.
Mamah was an intelligent woman. However, she was also selfish and even unlikeable. Being a housewife was boring and, unfortunately, she looked to another man to satisfy her ambitions. We were appalled at the choices she made, including leaving her children when they were so young. She did seem to have some regrets toward the end of her life, but they seemed too little, too late. She did not express gratitude to her sister for all of her sacrifices, and her husband, Edward, seemed like a good guy who truly loved her.
We were surprised to learn of the women's movement going on in Europe at the same time it was a big story in the U.S. It was interesting to learn about the differences. It was also interesting to be reminded of how slowly things moved in the early 1900s. Communication and transportation took so long. Our eyes were opened to this time in history.
Frank and Mamah has a sign on their property professing "Life is Truth." From an outsider's view, their life was far from truthful. But I guess their "truth" was that they loved each other and did not put on false fronts in that respect.
The members' scores ranged from 5 to 8.5.
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: http://www.franklloydwright.org/
Loving Frank website: http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/lovingfrank/
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