I did not have time to review this book before it's release date, the Dew is so busy this season, but I thought you might want to hear about it on it's release week. There will be a Dew review but probably not until November. So enjoy these little tidbits now.
Who knew that Poe, with all of his creepy ways, had women crawling all over him.
________________________________
Follow up: I did have the opportunity to read through the book and found it really interesting as it described in depth (does Ms. Cullen ever write in any less than thorough manner?) the essence of the time and place so well. The speech is of the more formal nature that I do admit to missing at times in this incredibly casual speaking culture.
The story is vibrant and keeps you interested, which did surprise me as I wasn't sure how gripping a story about a mistress to a weird poet might be.
______________________________________________________________
Mrs. PoeAuthor: Lynn Cullen
Below is information about the novel
MRS. POE (Gallery Books; October 1, 2013; Hardcover) by Townsend Prize nominated author Lynn Cullen.
The 164th anniversary of Poe’s death is October 7th, an optimal time to revisit the writer who still fascinates so many.
MRS. POE is the story of a
little known part of Poe’s life; while an historical fiction, it is
rooted in facts and historical significance, written in the dark,
macabre style of Poe himself, a perfect read for the Halloween season.
New York, 1985. Mr. Poe’s “The Raven” is all the literary rage-the success of which a struggling poet like Frances Osgood can only dream. As a mother trying to support two children after her husband’s betrayal, Frances jumps at the opportunity to meet the mysterious Poe, if only to help her career. Although not a fan of his writing, Frances is overwhelmed by his magnetic presence-and the surprising revelation that he admires her work. What follows is a flirtation, then a seduction, then an illicit love affair. But when Edgar’s frail wife Virginia-a cousin half his age-insists on befriending Frances as well, the relationship becomes as dark and deceiving, as full of twists and turns, as one of Poe’s tales…and maybe, as Frances fears, every bit as deadly.
Closely based on Poe’s life and writings, and rich with authentic historical detail, MRS. POE is a novel of romantic obsession as passionate and enduring as its brilliant subject.
Lynn Cullen is the author of The Creation of Eve and Reign of Madness, as well as several award-winning young adult novels including I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter. A traveler and historian, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
_____________________________________________
Characters From Mrs. Poe
Click HERE to read about more characters, such as: Louisa Alcott, John Audobon, John Astor, Phineas Barnum and more!