A novel by Lynn Cullen, Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books, October 2013.
* An ARC was provided by Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.
MRS. POE by Lynn Cullen is a fictional account of the rumored adulterous relationship between Frances (Fanny) Sargent Osgood and Edgar Allan Poe. The story begins in February 1845 in New York City. Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven" has just been published to much public interest and acclaim, and Fanny is trying to eke out a living as a poet and writer of children's stories.
While Fanny's husband is away having an affair, she and her two girls live with her good friend, Eliza Bartlett, and her husband, bookseller Russell Bartlett. It is through them that Fanny receives an invitation to hear Mr. Poe speak at a literary evening hosted by Anne Lynch. A large cast of famous characters intermingle at these soirees, including Walt Whitman, Mathew Brady, John Audubon, and Horace Greeley, and it is here where Fanny and Poe first meet.
Fanny is offered a large advance for a sensationalized story about Mr. Poe and his wife. Poe only agrees to an article about his work and then uses the interview as a way to see Fanny. Poe further seeks out Fanny to extend invitations from Mrs. Poe to join them at home, at the theatre, or for other outings. The story highlights their infrequent encounters, and the book ends after their last conversation in Winter 1847.
It is obvious the author did extensive research to interweave historical events and people throughout the story in order to create a believable background for the Osgood/Poe affair. So I would definitely suggest MRS.POE to readers who want to know more about New York City in the late 1840's. But I felt the presentation of the Osgood/Poe relationship was weak and somewhat dull and the overall story fairly flat.
Would I mention the book to Edgar Allan Poe fans? Probably. Would I read it again? Probably not.