The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki

 The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post brings a story of a fascinating woman, an American heiress who made her mark as a distinct philanthropist and pioneering leader of the twentieth century. A woman of modest background who rose to a dominant role, leaving behind a stunning legacy.

Marjorie Merriweather Post grows up in a positive environment encouraged by her father, a man who believes that anything is possible. He sees his purpose in creating meals. “A food that’s easy to prepare and easy to digest.” He becomes successful in mass-producing tasty breakfast foods and marketing them to the public.

Mr. Post believes in equal education for both boys and girls, and he wants his daughter to be “as proficient with dance cards and teacups as with machinery and balance ledgers.” Thus, he wants her to continue her education in Washington D.C. where he believes the nation’s capital is the place to be. There, at the age of sixteen, Marjorie meets Ed Close who is on the cusp of becoming a Manhattan lawyer, and who comes from old money, while her money is new and comes from cereal.

Marjorie is a well-mannered young woman who quickly finds herself in a marriage full of disappointment and carelessness. But with her father’s philosophy in mind if she wants to change her circumstance, then she needs to change her attitude. Self-pity won’t do. She finds purpose in helping those less fortunate, those who truly have cause for complaints. She joins Elsie Rockefeller in leadership of charitable work. Her philanthropy takes small part in this story, but it’s well-presented. Also, she turns out to be a very savvy businesswoman, who recognizes opportunities when she sees them. She is a woman of many talents, becoming the first one in many areas.

What makes Marjorie Post stand out is not her money, but what she does with it. She does enjoy the comforts that the money grants her, but she never forgets her humble beginnings, and she sees a bigger purpose in all the money her family amassed.

Interestingly woven life of an extraordinary woman who had her magical moments, but whose life was also marked by trials and betrayals. With strong ethical approach to life, she faced her challenges while embracing her own power and in the process shaping the history. Written affectionately, this brilliantly crafted story offers character infused with humanity and love, moving the plot smoothly and along the way creating a truly heartfelt read.

Release date: 15 February 2022

Source: Ballantine Books, Penguin Random House

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com