Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

The author weaves a story of two poets, Frances Osgood – a struggling poet, who meets already a famous and married poet – Edgar Allan Poe. They strike a friendship, which makes them both wish for more. He endured deep personal loss and poverty his whole life. She was disinherited from a privileged family for marring a struggling painter.

The voice of Frances Osgood is very believable, her feelings, struggle to succeed in career and overcome hardship of her private life.

The author recreates the atmosphere of the 19th century NYC well, with the social gatherings of literary circles and their “conversaziones.”

The storyline of a love triangle is not something I’d normally reach for, but I like the author’s writing. This is the third book I’ve read by her. It does take a skill to develop an interesting story around a simple plot. 

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