Bookclub #2
Our second bookclub selection was chosen by Mandy. Here is what she has to say about Loving Frank:
When I started this book I had no idea who Mamah Borthwick Cheney was- obviously Frank Lloyd Wright I knew, but only because I have taught about Falling Water in the past. I really enjoyed this book- from the very beginning I was intrigued by Mamah- her choices, her profession, the world in which she lived that seems so different and so similar to our own.
I was torn between being appalled that she would leave her children and being impressed that she was brave enough to do what made her happy. It made me wonder if there was anything- anyone- in the world that would make me even consider leaving my child. I also thought about how incredibly monotonous and mind-numbing domestic responsibilities can be- especially for a woman who had professional goals so clearly ahead of her time. I struggle with this balance in my own life all the time- sometimes it seems like if I have to clean another bathroom, fight again with Cori about eating, or fold another load of laundry I am going to go over the edge, and ANY respite from those kind of tasks is hugely attractive!!
At the start of the book Edwin tells Mamah that happiness is something that takes practice- that if you act happy eventually you will be. What do you think of that? I have a hard time with it, personally. I tend to be more proactive- if you are not happy then change something so you are- that has always been my approach. But what happens when you run out of things to change? Can you just pretend? Can you really just decide to be happy?
I was also amazed by the pubic scandal the affair caused- how different would that situation be now? It seems like today people leave their husbands and wives all the time- especially famous people- the covers of people magazine tell the story of celebrity affairs and breakups everyday. Do you think Mamah’s reaction to all the publicity was overreaction? What about the double standard- she was so villianized by the press, while FLW was let off more easily, it seems.
I also thought a lot about why Mamah stayed with Frank, even after he proved to be so pathetic about money. Why did she do this? Do you think she was a strong character overall or a weak one? One of the reasons I liked her so much is that she was both, just like most of us.
So…. Those are my initial thoughts. I have lots more to say, and I want to hear from all of you, so let’s hear what you thought soon….
Mandy
