Nancy Horan Boeken

Standing on the sidelines of life, Mamah Borthwick Cheney yearns to immerse herself in its currents. In her diary, she reflects on her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright, which began after she and her husband commissioned him to design their home in 1903. As the house was built, a powerful attraction blossomed between Mamah and Frank, leading them, both married with children, into a relationship that would scandalize Chicago society and alter their lives forever. This debut novel intricately blends fact with fiction, giving Mamah the prominence often overlooked in historical accounts of America’s greatest architect. Author Nancy Horan draws on extensive research to craft a compelling narrative that highlights Mamah’s profound influence on Wright while exploring her internal conflicts. Caught between her roles as mother, wife, lover, and intellectual, Mamah embarks on a journey to discover her creative calling. Her story is marked by transformative choices that redefine her understanding of love and responsibility, culminating in a stunning conclusion. Elegantly written and rich in detail, this novel serves as a tribute to a courageous woman and her timeless love story.