review by Jane E.
The “gulls” enjoyed a hearty discussion of Loving Frank amidst a backdrop of Frank Lloyd Wright photos provided by Reid via video. Talk centered around who Frank was as a man, who Mamah was, the roles they played for each other, and the great cost involved as both Mamah and Frank attempted to live out their personal philosophies of “living true” while maintaining an intimate relationship. This cost, as we discussed, was not only personal, but also tragically affected a wide circle of those around them: friends, family, coworkers, employees and hangers-on.
While all the readers agreed as to Wright’s genius, we also quickly admitted his shortcomings in the engineering and execution department. The book did a good job of pointing out his lack of follow-through and his unrealistic expectations of being able to build stone walls appearing to float in mid-air. Leagues ahead of his time in the design department, he was sorely lacking in some fundamental engineering and business management skills.
Frank, while espousing a “live in truth” idealism, actually lived in more of a fantasy world. He wore tailor-made pants, for example, while the workers went unpaid. He verbalized great love for Mamah, and others, then often forgot simple details of life that would have demonstrated that great love in practical ways. It seemed that many of the people around him spoiled and indulged him because of his great architectural genius. Indeed, Frank spoiled and indulged himself, excusing erratic behavior in the name of his own talent.
We tried to imagine what it might have been like to be Mamah (or anyone in Frank’s circle). “Loving Frank” came with a cost, it seemed—loss of personal space; putting one’s own identity and dreams aside for the greater good of feeding his genius; abandoning family, friends and others in order to sit in Frank’s circle of influence.
It was hard to understand Mamah and hard to comprehend that she gave up home, husband, children and security to be Frank’s partner. Mamah, we agreed, had established herself as a self-actualized, modern woman of the time. She served on various social committees, appeared on boards and charities, and even had a successful “career” in translation services. Mamah was married to a successful businessman and had children well-cared for (mostly by her sister and nanny). She had money, community standing, and status in her circle. In all respects, she was a success in her own right. Yet the temptation of loving Frank—coupled with probable boredom with her own marriage—led her to leave her home and husband for Frank Lloyd Wright.
What follows is the story of the decisions Mamah makes and the consequences that follow. Mamah seems torn in many directions. She wants to be with Frank, but wants also to continue her own path of independence. She misses her children but chooses to live in Europe, leaving them to the care of others and becoming even more estranged from them. She becomes a protégé and translator to Ellen Key, that famous Swedish feminist, only to find that they disagree on some fundamental philosophies. At every turn, Mamah becomes dissatisfied and disillusioned with the consequences of the choices she makes.
Considering the downhill snowball Mamah’s life was taking, I suppose we should not have been surprised at the shocking, tragic conclusion of this book—which this writer will NOT share, so as not to be a spoiler!
All in all, we had a great discussion of not only Mamah and Frank’s characters, but also of the peripheral characters—Frank’s wife, other members of their family, friends, coworkers and hangers-on. We all seemed to agree that this book was well-written and well researched, especially considering it was a first novel for the author.
Thanks to Carolyn for providing the book as well as delectable dinner delicacies. We chewed on some great food and some great thoughts—as usual!
