100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

"Is there a creature more unstable than a woman made mad by desire?"

In this eerie story the lives of Edgar Poe, Virginia Poe and Frances Osgood.  It is a fact that Edgar Allen Poe married his cousin Virginia when she was 13 years old.  It is also fact that Frances Osgood, famous for Puss in Boots, exchanged poetry with Poe.  With these facts Lynn Cullen has created a scandalous story of the interactions between the two ill-fated lovers and Poe's sickly wife. 

As Frances and Edgar begin their relationship, we are drawn into the dazzling world of New York in the 1840's.  Lynn Cullen has recreated the sights and sounds of the elite New York society.  Through Frances' eyes the Astor mansion was recreated as well as the atmosphere of an Anne Charlotte Lynch's conversazione.  I enjoyed the view of New York through Frances' perspective, as she saw things for what they were.  Poe has been created as a highly romantic character, although still a little strange.  It was interesting to see Poe and Frances' relationship progress through their poems to one another. 

And oh, Mrs. Poe and her mother Mrs. Clemm, the most interesting characters.  What would a story with Poe be without a little madness?  The psychological aspects of this mystery build as the reader finds out more about Mrs. Poe, her capabilities and her state of mind.  Interestingly enough, Virginia Poe builds a friendship with Frances Osgood.  Though it is a slow build, the reader is able to conclude that this friendship may not have the best intentions through foreshadowing and great character building, a little Gothic mystery is put in place. 

Historical fiction at it's best with a twist of forbidden romance and it's consequences.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.