false 898885 0345494997 9780345494993 10877 3244 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179285637m/898885.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898885.Loving_Frank_A_Novel 460979 Nancy Horan 11472 3452 3 8 false Wed Sep 26 19:33:35 -0700 2007 Fri Sep 21 08:07:51 -0700 2007 Wed Sep 26 19:33:21 -0700 2007
But as the book progressed, I started to like her less and less. And Frank Lloyd Wright I never found an endearing character. Pompous ass, yes. I didn't think either of them were justified in their actions and I certainly couldn't get behind her heartbreak about her children. She should feel guilty and she got no sympathy from me. She made the choice. Another review I read wondered about the message of what makes a better parent - the present, but emotionally bereft one, or the absent one living a full life. I didn't think Mamah was either. Her life was full once she left, but only full of her and I don't think the children benefited from it. And definitely not in the long run! How gruesome. I'm glad I did some reading up on Mamah before I reached the end of the novel, so at least I knew it was coming.

The writing itself was quite solid for the most part. The romantic dialogue, however, was just painful, as were any of the "mushier" passages, whether it was Mamah reflecting on Frank or the last part where he reflected on her. It took away from what was quite interesting otherwise.

My MIL is one of the tour guides for the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Oak Park. I don't remember any of this getting mentioned, so it's interesting that the social niceties still must be observed in that little town, even after all these years.]]>