Lynn Cullen

Struggling to support her family in mid-19th-century New York, writer Frances Osgood makes an unexpected connection with literary master Edgar Allan Poe and finds her survival complicated by her intense attraction to the writer and the scheming manipulations of his wife. 75,000 first printing.

Mrs. Poe

Rebecca C Wright

Very romantic imagining of the affair of Edgar Allan Poe and Frances Sargent Osgood. Wonderful decription of New York and the people of the time. Story moves quickly and keeps you wondering what is next for the two. Passion and literature collide in this lovely tale.

Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen completely blew me away and surpassed my expectations. Taking place in New York City in 1845, Mrs. Poe is actually narrated by a Mrs. Frances Osgood, a poet and children’s author who is currently estranged from her husband, though she’s trying to keep it a secret. Frances, or ‘Fanny,’ is a member of the New York literary society, frequently attending parties and lectures. It’s at one of these events where she first meets Edgar Allan Poe. His poem “The Raven” is all the rage, though Frances wasn’t all that impressed with it. She is, however, impressed with Poe. It’s evident the pair have an immediate attraction, though he is also married. In order to get closer to Poe, and ignoring her true intentions while doing so, Frances befriends his sickly young wife, Virginia.

What follows is a slow burn romance full of gothic themes and imagery and populated by many famous characters. I had no idea so many of America’s most prolific writers were alive and in the same circles at this same time, like Alcott, Melville, and more, and they were so interesting to read about. I loved learning about New York high society and its literati society as well.

The climax was a little unexpected, and the ending sad and abrupt. However, this book is based on facts, and the author created her own reasons why the affair had to end. Because it is more than likely Poe and Frances had an ongoing affair at this time. The way this book depicts it is beautiful but tragic, much like all of Poe’s life and career.

I loved this book. It’s a delightful insight into Edgar Allan Poe; he really comes alive. You learn so much about him, more than you ever learned in high school English class, and Frances is a deeply three dimensional character as well. You understand her guilt and love completely. Examples of their writing, including poems they sent back and forth, are utilized throughout. It’s really just spectacular.

Amanda

Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen completely blew me away and surpassed my expectations. Taking place in New York City in 1845, Mrs. Poe is actually narrated by a Mrs. Frances Osgood, a poet and children’s author who is currently estranged from her husband, though she’s trying to keep it a secret. Frances, or ‘Fanny,’ is a member of the New York literary society, frequently attending parties and lectures. It’s at one of these events where she first meets Edgar Allan Poe. His poem “The Raven” is all the rage, though Frances wasn’t all that impressed with it. She is, however, impressed with Poe. It’s evident the pair have an immediate attraction, though he is also married. In order to get closer to Poe, and ignoring her true intentions while doing so, Frances befriends his sickly young wife, Virginia.

What follows is a slow burn romance full of gothic themes and imagery and populated by many famous characters. I had no idea so many of America’s most prolific writers were alive and in the same circles at this same time, like Alcott, Melville, and more, and they were so interesting to read about. I loved learning about New York high society and its literati society as well.

The climax was a little unexpected, and the ending sad and abrupt. However, this book is based on facts, and the author created her own reasons why the affair had to end. Because it is more than likely Poe and Frances had an ongoing affair at this time. The way this book depicts it is beautiful but tragic, much like all of Poe’s life and career.

I loved this book. It’s a delightful insight into Edgar Allan Poe; he really comes alive. You learn so much about him, more than you ever learned in high school English class, and Frances is a deeply three dimensional character as well. You understand her guilt and love completely. Examples of their writing, including poems they sent back and forth, are utilized throughout. It’s really just spectacular.

Struggling to support her family in mid-nineteenth-century New York, writer Frances Osgood makes an unexpected connection with literary master Edgar Allan Poe and finds her survival complicated by her intense attraction to the writer and the scheming manipulations of his wife.

Sarah Vaughan

I hope I'm not the only person who wasn't aware that it is very possible that Edgar Allan Poe was having an affair with poet Francis Osgood? Call me crazy, but I liked the idea of a lonely, sad man whose stories seemed dark and deranged only because he has lost his dear wife. In fact, once I realized that this book was going to be about this so-called love affair, I actually almost didn't read it. But I'm glad I did. It's a little slow in the beginning, but gets a bit meatier throughout. By the end, my heart was racing. Didn't exactly end how I had hoped, but I appreciate the author trying to stick to historically correct details.

Mrs. Poe

Reviews