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Finding Margaret Fuller
An epic reimagining of the life of Margaret Fuller—America’s forgotten leading lady and the central figure of a movement that defined a nation—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post.
Massachusetts, 1836. Young, brazen, beautiful, and unapologetically brilliant, Margaret Fuller accepts an invitation from Ralph Waldo Emerson, the celebrated “Sage of Concord,” to meet his coterie of enlightened friends shaping a nation in the throes of its own self-discovery. By the end of her stay, she will become “the radiant genius and fiery heart” of the Transcendentalists, a role model to young Louisa May Alcott, an inspiration to Nathaniel Hawthorne and his scandalous Scarlet Letter, a friend to Henry David Thoreau as he ventures into the woods of Walden Pond . . . and a muse to Emerson himself. But Margaret craves more than poetry and interpersonal drama, and she finds her restless soul in need of new challenges and adventure.
And so she charts a singular course against a backdrop of dizzying historical drama: From Boston, where she hosts a women-only literary salon for students like Elizabeth Cady Stanton; to the editorial meetings of The Dial magazine, where she hones her pen as its co-founder; to Harvard’s library, where she is the first woman to study within its walls; to the gritty New York streets where she spars with Edgar Allan Poe and reports on the writings of Frederick Douglass. Margaret defies conventions time and again as an activist for women and an advocate for humanity, earning admirers and scathing critics alike.
When the legendary Horace Greeley offers an assignment in Europe, Margaret again makes history as the first female foreign news correspondent, mingling with luminaries like Frederic Chopin, Walt Whitman, George Sand, and more. But it is in Rome where she finds a world of passion, romance, and revolution, taking a Roman count as a lover—and sparking an international scandal. Evolving yet again into the roles of mother and countess, Margaret enters a new fight for Italy’s unification.
With a star-studded cast and epic sweep of historical events, this is a story of an inspiring trailblazer, a woman who loved big and lived even bigger—a fierce adventurer who transcended the rigid roles ascribed to women, and changed history for millions, all on her own terms.
Massachusetts, 1836. Young, brazen, beautiful, and unapologetically brilliant, Margaret Fuller accepts an invitation from Ralph Waldo Emerson, the celebrated “Sage of Concord,” to meet his coterie of enlightened friends shaping a nation in the throes of its own self-discovery. By the end of her stay, she will become “the radiant genius and fiery heart” of the Transcendentalists, a role model to young Louisa May Alcott, an inspiration to Nathaniel Hawthorne and his scandalous Scarlet Letter, a friend to Henry David Thoreau as he ventures into the woods of Walden Pond . . . and a muse to Emerson himself. But Margaret craves more than poetry and interpersonal drama, and she finds her restless soul in need of new challenges and adventure.
And so she charts a singular course against a backdrop of dizzying historical drama: From Boston, where she hosts a women-only literary salon for students like Elizabeth Cady Stanton; to the editorial meetings of The Dial magazine, where she hones her pen as its co-founder; to Harvard’s library, where she is the first woman to study within its walls; to the gritty New York streets where she spars with Edgar Allan Poe and reports on the writings of Frederick Douglass. Margaret defies conventions time and again as an activist for women and an advocate for humanity, earning admirers and scathing critics alike.
When the legendary Horace Greeley offers an assignment in Europe, Margaret again makes history as the first female foreign news correspondent, mingling with luminaries like Frederic Chopin, Walt Whitman, George Sand, and more. But it is in Rome where she finds a world of passion, romance, and revolution, taking a Roman count as a lover—and sparking an international scandal. Evolving yet again into the roles of mother and countess, Margaret enters a new fight for Italy’s unification.
With a star-studded cast and epic sweep of historical events, this is a story of an inspiring trailblazer, a woman who loved big and lived even bigger—a fierce adventurer who transcended the rigid roles ascribed to women, and changed history for millions, all on her own terms.
432 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2024
1516 people are currently reading
39111 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pataki
12 books3,357 followersALLISON PATAKI is the NYTimes Bestselling author of THE TRAITOR'S WIFE, THE ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS, SISI:EMPRESS ON HER OWN, WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS, and the memoir, BEAUTY IN THE BROKEN PLACES.
Her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, has been featured on The TODAY Show, The NY Times, The Huffington Post, USA Today, FOX News, Morning Joe, and more.
Visit AllisonPataki.com to connect and find out more.
Her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, has been featured on The TODAY Show, The NY Times, The Huffington Post, USA Today, FOX News, Morning Joe, and more.
Visit AllisonPataki.com to connect and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,558 reviews
January 8, 2024
Finding Margaret Fuller vividly brings to life the extraordinary journey of Margaret Fuller, a pioneering woman who relentlessly championed women’s rights and broader humanitarian causes. Her story, set against the backdrop of her remarkable achievements as a writer, unfolds with engaging first-person narration that captures Fuller’s spirited and trailblazing character.
The narrative begins in 1836 in Concord, Massachusetts, where Fuller receives an invitation from Ralph Waldo Emerson to visit him and his family at his Bush estate. Emerson, a profound thinker and staunch supporter of writers, shares enriching conversations with Fuller during their afternoon walks, discussing his essays and her insightful responses. Departing from this idyllic setting leaves Fuller reluctant to leave.
In Boston, Fuller takes a tutoring job to support her mother financially. Despite the loneliness of her single room in the bustling city, her life brightens when Bronson Alcott visits and offers her a position at his prestigious Temple School. However, Fuller grapples with whether teaching is her true calling, as it seems to drain her energy, conflicting with her passion for writing and thinking. Moreover, she faces societal judgment for choosing personal freedom over traditional commitments to marriage, a household, and children.
Determined to follow her own path, Fuller creates a women-only literary salon, and becomes an editor at The Dial magazine, followed by the New York Tribune. Her studies at the Harvard library mark her as the first woman to breach its walls, challenging societal norms with her written words. Fuller’s fight for women’s rights, the emancipation of slaves, and fair treatment of laborers exemplifies her defiance of the conventions of her time.
Fuller’s adventures continue as she becomes the first female foreign news correspondent. Her travels take her to France, where she mingles with luminaries like Frederic Chopin and George Sand, and to Rome, where she falls in love with a count.
The narrative’s first-person perspective lends authenticity and depth to Fuller’s voice, making her story not only believable but also deeply inspiring. Her commitment to following her heart and advocating for what she believes is right for humanity shines through. Against all societal constraints, she redefines the roles traditionally assigned to women, emerging as an enthralling figure surrounded by distinguished contemporaries.
The book’s prose is eloquently smooth, with seamlessly woven dialogue that propels the story forward. This masterful storytelling makes Finding Margaret Fuller a captivating and enriching read, paying homage to a woman whose life and work left an indelible mark on history.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
The narrative begins in 1836 in Concord, Massachusetts, where Fuller receives an invitation from Ralph Waldo Emerson to visit him and his family at his Bush estate. Emerson, a profound thinker and staunch supporter of writers, shares enriching conversations with Fuller during their afternoon walks, discussing his essays and her insightful responses. Departing from this idyllic setting leaves Fuller reluctant to leave.
In Boston, Fuller takes a tutoring job to support her mother financially. Despite the loneliness of her single room in the bustling city, her life brightens when Bronson Alcott visits and offers her a position at his prestigious Temple School. However, Fuller grapples with whether teaching is her true calling, as it seems to drain her energy, conflicting with her passion for writing and thinking. Moreover, she faces societal judgment for choosing personal freedom over traditional commitments to marriage, a household, and children.
Determined to follow her own path, Fuller creates a women-only literary salon, and becomes an editor at The Dial magazine, followed by the New York Tribune. Her studies at the Harvard library mark her as the first woman to breach its walls, challenging societal norms with her written words. Fuller’s fight for women’s rights, the emancipation of slaves, and fair treatment of laborers exemplifies her defiance of the conventions of her time.
Fuller’s adventures continue as she becomes the first female foreign news correspondent. Her travels take her to France, where she mingles with luminaries like Frederic Chopin and George Sand, and to Rome, where she falls in love with a count.
The narrative’s first-person perspective lends authenticity and depth to Fuller’s voice, making her story not only believable but also deeply inspiring. Her commitment to following her heart and advocating for what she believes is right for humanity shines through. Against all societal constraints, she redefines the roles traditionally assigned to women, emerging as an enthralling figure surrounded by distinguished contemporaries.
The book’s prose is eloquently smooth, with seamlessly woven dialogue that propels the story forward. This masterful storytelling makes Finding Margaret Fuller a captivating and enriching read, paying homage to a woman whose life and work left an indelible mark on history.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
November 20, 2023
This was a very interesting book about a lady I had never hear of. She was certainly one to be admired as she went though her life always aware of how women should be treated but yet were not.
She finds herself in the company of the great men of her time, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, (Louisa May Alcott as a young girl), and Nathaniel Hawthorne and through their interactions she becomes a member of the Transcendentalists, an outspoken advocate for women and having a brilliant mind, many listened to her.
At the behest of Horace Greeley, she becomes a foreign news correspondent, the first woman to do so. As part of her job and her circle of influence, she meets Frederic Chopin, Walt Whitman, George Sand, and others.
She meets a count and falls deeply in love, becomes pregnant and eventually marries him. She becomes involved in efforts to unite her adopted country, Italy and after some gruesome times, decides to return home with her baby, and husband.
Tragedy occurs and Margaret never does return.
Margaret was a courageous inspiration to those who knew her.
I did like the story , even though it did become long winded at times and some of the romantically inclined scenes were overdone.
Thank you to Allison Pataki, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out March 19, 2024.
She finds herself in the company of the great men of her time, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, (Louisa May Alcott as a young girl), and Nathaniel Hawthorne and through their interactions she becomes a member of the Transcendentalists, an outspoken advocate for women and having a brilliant mind, many listened to her.
At the behest of Horace Greeley, she becomes a foreign news correspondent, the first woman to do so. As part of her job and her circle of influence, she meets Frederic Chopin, Walt Whitman, George Sand, and others.
She meets a count and falls deeply in love, becomes pregnant and eventually marries him. She becomes involved in efforts to unite her adopted country, Italy and after some gruesome times, decides to return home with her baby, and husband.
Tragedy occurs and Margaret never does return.
Margaret was a courageous inspiration to those who knew her.
I did like the story , even though it did become long winded at times and some of the romantically inclined scenes were overdone.
Thank you to Allison Pataki, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this story due out March 19, 2024.
March 31, 2024
FINDING MARGARET FULLER
BY: ALLISON PATAKI
I was beyond excited when it came to my attention that my favorite historical fiction author, Allison Pataki had written a new book. Her latest work of art has brought to intimate life the significant and fascinating woman Margaret Fuller was. She was immensely rewarding to read about because of all of her contributions that affect us today. Having never before heard who Margaret Fuller was, nor her remarkable accomplishments, didn't deter me from becoming curious to wanting to read this. Quite the opposite, indeed. I knew that I would love, "Finding Margaret Fuller," and it has soared to the top of my favorite reading experiences of 2023. During her short life she is responsible for paving the way for the equality of all humanity that we might not actively think about.
Margaret Fuller was extremely brilliant among many other things. In 1836, which marks the beginning of this fabulous historical novel she was invited to spend a week at Ralph Waldo Emerson's stately home in Concord, MA. She thinks the reason is to keep company with Waldo's second wife who he has renamed Lidian. Lidian spends most of her time in her room upstairs in bed because she is expecting their first child. Margaret who is 26 years old makes a great impression on Waldo who is 33 years old. He is very impressed with how well educated and well read she is. She ends up spending most of the week talking with Waldo, taking walks on his beautiful land. She ends up getting invited by Waldo to stay for 2 more additional weeks which she greatly enjoys much to Lidian's chagrin. She becomes his muse and takes a liking to Louisa May Alcott who is just a small child. She will become Waldo's muse and Louisa's mentor. She really likes Henry David Thoreau and his love of nature is illuminated to both Margaret and the reader.
Margaret meets Nathaniel Hawthorne having been introduced to him from Waldo. She is the inspiration for his novel, "The Scarlet Letter," which I won't divulge the reason why because it enters spoiler territory. She co-founded a news magazine with Waldo called, "The Dial." Since the editing and writing that she does for, "The Dial," is unpaid and she needs to earn money for her living expenses and to also support her widowed mother and 7 younger siblings. She takes on a couple of teaching positions that don't fulfill her but give her the much needed income she needs. She hosts a Salon for women which she is passionate about helping young women to think for themselves beyond settling to get married and have children. She encourages the women that attend to exchange ideas and develop free thinking to lead a more expanded life. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the ladies who attended Margaret's Salon. Elizabeth Cady Stanton would later go on to be part of the Women's movement.
Margaret goes to New York City, where she is offered a job as an Editor for the New-York Tribune by Horace Greeley. From there he provides her with the opportunity to travel to England, Paris and Italy. She becomes the first female foreign news correspondent sending her columns to Horace Greeley. Italy isn't a united country yet, so she writes about the revolution taking place there. Italy is still in the process of being occupied by foreign countries. She loves Rome and I enjoyed immensely the descriptions of the famous sights and historic places there. My oldest son and I plan on visiting Italy together, which this novel has enticed my interest in visiting there even sooner due to the vivid prose written that I could visualize how beautiful it is.
I first discovered the amazing talent of Allison Pataki in 2021, when I read and reviewed her fantastic historical fiction novel called, "The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post." Immediately after I finished reading it, I was so impressed that I purchased and enjoyed every single one of her previous written work, which I loved everything written by her. To express that she has become my top favorite historical fiction author is an understatement. Ms. Pataki writes about impressive periods of history and obscure women that I have heard about before, however she always manages to educate me further Not only does she expand my knowledge piquing my interest, she's also responsible for leading me to want to learn even more. I believe that her ability to captivate my interest with motivating me to want to seek out even more information about a particular person or subject that she has written about has elevated my admiration of her. She has already provided a comprehensive understanding of her subjects, but my yearning to continue to learn everything available is truly the hallmark of a great author.
Once again, in "Finding Margaret Fuller," I have delved into learning everything that I could about this trail brazing woman who is beyond thrilling and completely captivating. If you have never before heard about Margaret Fuller, you need not fear. After reading this spectacular and informative novel, you too, will gain enough facts that will have you pondering why it is that she has been forgotten by history. Her achievements during her memorable lifetime are nothing short of mesmerizing and they paved the way for people in all walks of life.
If you live in the United States you most likely have read in High school English classes the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herbert Melville, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Walt Whitman and William Wordsworth. Ask yourself the question of why it is that the iconic Margaret Fuller, who interacted with every one of these famous contemporaries of her's is not as well known? Taking this question one step further is Margaret Fuller a person that you have never heard of before? It is an important question to consider.
Allison Pataki includes in her Author's Note that she was reading a book called, "American Bloomsbury," during a rainy holiday weekend three years ago. The book mentions most of the American writers that I have cited above. She wondered to herself why it was that she had never heard about Margaret before. The logic was that Margaret belonged to the same movement that took place in America during that time frame. Lucky for us, Ms Pataki's curiosity was the impetus that drove her to research Margaret Fuller. The yields of everything that she learned resulted in the discovery of an extraordinary woman whose initiatives, and ideas were groundbreaking accomplishments that were ahead of her time. This historical novel is a culmination of Margaret Fuller's many important efforts towards improving the lives of her fellow citizens lives who weren't treated with equality. The conclusion is that this is a woman worthy of learning about. Subsequently, in this outstanding historical fiction novel devoted to who and why Margaret Fuller deserves recognition and remembering, I think you will agree that this novel's precise details delivers on that speculation. This author has created a profound examination of an obscure woman whose forward thinking and her success has earned her rightful place to receive the same attention of being celebrated and admired every bit as those writers I have listed above. Those whose fame continues to be required reading in most English programs in America.
I enjoyed reading this tremendously. Also it was so compelling I never wanted to put it down. All of Allison Pataki's books are absolute page turners. Margaret Fuller completely stole my heart. Her impressive passion for striving to advocate for equality and freedom for herself and all of humanity makes her an unforgettable woman whom I still think about. I read this over a month ago, but am just posting my review. There is so much more that I could say, but I am refraining so that you can discover for yourself how wonderful this novel is. I highly, highly recommend this! I LOVED IT!
Publication Date: March 24, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Allison Pataki and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. This review wasn't required to be positive, but reflects my high enthusiasm for a flawless book.
#FindingMargaretFuller #AllisonPataki #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantineBooks #NetGalley
BY: ALLISON PATAKI
I was beyond excited when it came to my attention that my favorite historical fiction author, Allison Pataki had written a new book. Her latest work of art has brought to intimate life the significant and fascinating woman Margaret Fuller was. She was immensely rewarding to read about because of all of her contributions that affect us today. Having never before heard who Margaret Fuller was, nor her remarkable accomplishments, didn't deter me from becoming curious to wanting to read this. Quite the opposite, indeed. I knew that I would love, "Finding Margaret Fuller," and it has soared to the top of my favorite reading experiences of 2023. During her short life she is responsible for paving the way for the equality of all humanity that we might not actively think about.
Margaret Fuller was extremely brilliant among many other things. In 1836, which marks the beginning of this fabulous historical novel she was invited to spend a week at Ralph Waldo Emerson's stately home in Concord, MA. She thinks the reason is to keep company with Waldo's second wife who he has renamed Lidian. Lidian spends most of her time in her room upstairs in bed because she is expecting their first child. Margaret who is 26 years old makes a great impression on Waldo who is 33 years old. He is very impressed with how well educated and well read she is. She ends up spending most of the week talking with Waldo, taking walks on his beautiful land. She ends up getting invited by Waldo to stay for 2 more additional weeks which she greatly enjoys much to Lidian's chagrin. She becomes his muse and takes a liking to Louisa May Alcott who is just a small child. She will become Waldo's muse and Louisa's mentor. She really likes Henry David Thoreau and his love of nature is illuminated to both Margaret and the reader.
Margaret meets Nathaniel Hawthorne having been introduced to him from Waldo. She is the inspiration for his novel, "The Scarlet Letter," which I won't divulge the reason why because it enters spoiler territory. She co-founded a news magazine with Waldo called, "The Dial." Since the editing and writing that she does for, "The Dial," is unpaid and she needs to earn money for her living expenses and to also support her widowed mother and 7 younger siblings. She takes on a couple of teaching positions that don't fulfill her but give her the much needed income she needs. She hosts a Salon for women which she is passionate about helping young women to think for themselves beyond settling to get married and have children. She encourages the women that attend to exchange ideas and develop free thinking to lead a more expanded life. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the ladies who attended Margaret's Salon. Elizabeth Cady Stanton would later go on to be part of the Women's movement.
Margaret goes to New York City, where she is offered a job as an Editor for the New-York Tribune by Horace Greeley. From there he provides her with the opportunity to travel to England, Paris and Italy. She becomes the first female foreign news correspondent sending her columns to Horace Greeley. Italy isn't a united country yet, so she writes about the revolution taking place there. Italy is still in the process of being occupied by foreign countries. She loves Rome and I enjoyed immensely the descriptions of the famous sights and historic places there. My oldest son and I plan on visiting Italy together, which this novel has enticed my interest in visiting there even sooner due to the vivid prose written that I could visualize how beautiful it is.
I first discovered the amazing talent of Allison Pataki in 2021, when I read and reviewed her fantastic historical fiction novel called, "The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post." Immediately after I finished reading it, I was so impressed that I purchased and enjoyed every single one of her previous written work, which I loved everything written by her. To express that she has become my top favorite historical fiction author is an understatement. Ms. Pataki writes about impressive periods of history and obscure women that I have heard about before, however she always manages to educate me further Not only does she expand my knowledge piquing my interest, she's also responsible for leading me to want to learn even more. I believe that her ability to captivate my interest with motivating me to want to seek out even more information about a particular person or subject that she has written about has elevated my admiration of her. She has already provided a comprehensive understanding of her subjects, but my yearning to continue to learn everything available is truly the hallmark of a great author.
Once again, in "Finding Margaret Fuller," I have delved into learning everything that I could about this trail brazing woman who is beyond thrilling and completely captivating. If you have never before heard about Margaret Fuller, you need not fear. After reading this spectacular and informative novel, you too, will gain enough facts that will have you pondering why it is that she has been forgotten by history. Her achievements during her memorable lifetime are nothing short of mesmerizing and they paved the way for people in all walks of life.
If you live in the United States you most likely have read in High school English classes the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herbert Melville, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Walt Whitman and William Wordsworth. Ask yourself the question of why it is that the iconic Margaret Fuller, who interacted with every one of these famous contemporaries of her's is not as well known? Taking this question one step further is Margaret Fuller a person that you have never heard of before? It is an important question to consider.
Allison Pataki includes in her Author's Note that she was reading a book called, "American Bloomsbury," during a rainy holiday weekend three years ago. The book mentions most of the American writers that I have cited above. She wondered to herself why it was that she had never heard about Margaret before. The logic was that Margaret belonged to the same movement that took place in America during that time frame. Lucky for us, Ms Pataki's curiosity was the impetus that drove her to research Margaret Fuller. The yields of everything that she learned resulted in the discovery of an extraordinary woman whose initiatives, and ideas were groundbreaking accomplishments that were ahead of her time. This historical novel is a culmination of Margaret Fuller's many important efforts towards improving the lives of her fellow citizens lives who weren't treated with equality. The conclusion is that this is a woman worthy of learning about. Subsequently, in this outstanding historical fiction novel devoted to who and why Margaret Fuller deserves recognition and remembering, I think you will agree that this novel's precise details delivers on that speculation. This author has created a profound examination of an obscure woman whose forward thinking and her success has earned her rightful place to receive the same attention of being celebrated and admired every bit as those writers I have listed above. Those whose fame continues to be required reading in most English programs in America.
I enjoyed reading this tremendously. Also it was so compelling I never wanted to put it down. All of Allison Pataki's books are absolute page turners. Margaret Fuller completely stole my heart. Her impressive passion for striving to advocate for equality and freedom for herself and all of humanity makes her an unforgettable woman whom I still think about. I read this over a month ago, but am just posting my review. There is so much more that I could say, but I am refraining so that you can discover for yourself how wonderful this novel is. I highly, highly recommend this! I LOVED IT!
Publication Date: March 24, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Allison Pataki and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. This review wasn't required to be positive, but reflects my high enthusiasm for a flawless book.
#FindingMargaretFuller #AllisonPataki #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantineBooks #NetGalley
April 4, 2024
I'm probably going to be an outlier with my review. It happens. Not often, but it does happen.
This felt well researched. I appreciated the life stories of all of the famous authors in this one. That wasn't a problem at all. Getting to know Margaret Fuller is what kept me in but only for so long. However!!!!! This moved so so so horribly slow. Slogging is never fun and this one had more than I'd prefer.
At the end of my work day today, I still had about 45 minutes left of the audio and I don't see me picking it back up tomorrow. So this is the first DNF of the year for me. This was 1 star for me, but I added a star for the research and for the spotlight on Margaret. So that brings this to 2 stars.
This felt well researched. I appreciated the life stories of all of the famous authors in this one. That wasn't a problem at all. Getting to know Margaret Fuller is what kept me in but only for so long. However!!!!! This moved so so so horribly slow. Slogging is never fun and this one had more than I'd prefer.
At the end of my work day today, I still had about 45 minutes left of the audio and I don't see me picking it back up tomorrow. So this is the first DNF of the year for me. This was 1 star for me, but I added a star for the research and for the spotlight on Margaret. So that brings this to 2 stars.
February 21, 2024
Margaret Fuller was a remarkable woman. It's not a stretch to say she changed the world, and all of us would be better people if we knew more about her. However, that does not automatically make her fun to read about.
I found this book to be very slow in the beginning. It definitely doesn't start in medias res. We had to be introduced to every famous name, just in case we didn't recognize them, and then spend a few more chapters flitting around them with nothing happening, before the book actually picks up. In my opinion, the first seven chapters could easily have been condensed into one chapter and had the few remaining bits of important info sprinkled through later chapters.
Nothing really starts to happen until about 40% but even then it's still rather slow. There's a bit of interesting stuff here and there but not enough for me to want to keep reading once I reached the end of a chapter. The whole thing felt rather aimless, almost more of a biography than a novel with a plot, but perhaps that was the point? If so, I think the author should have focused on the more interesting things in Margaret Fuller's life instead of showing us so many boring moments. Margaret definitely wrote interesting things and seems to have influenced many famous people, but judging by this book, her life wasn't very exciting. She doesn't seem to have really *done* much other than write, which doesn't make for a very interesting novel subject. She goes for walks with Emerson and Thoreau, she complains about her money woes, she had less-than-scintillating conversations with Hawthorne, she writes books and articles, she hosts roundtable discussions with other women, she hears Poe read some poems and argues with him, but in general there was never anything gluing my eyes to the pages. Margaret wanders around living her intellectual life, but it's not very fun to read about.
It's not until about 65% that Margaret really starts to do stuff that is interesting to read about. This is where I would have started the book if I were writing it, as so much of what came before didn't seem worth writing about. Not that Margaret wasn't living an exciting life all this time, it just wasn't exciting when viewed from the outside. I don't mean to be too harsh, because there were some interesting parts in the first 2/3 of the book, but my eyes glazed over more often than not, only perking up when another famous name was dropped for the seemingly sole purpose of enlivening a book that relied far too much on these cameos doing the heavy lifting. But there was so much about Margaret's time in Europe that is barely mentioned that I would have liked to know much more about. Not just the famous names, but to know more what Margaret thought about these ancient cities from the point of view of an extremely learned woman born in such a young country. She briefly touches on her thoughts about Victoria's Britain and as soon as we moved on I thought to myself "We spent fifty pages on flowers but this gets a few paragraphs?!?!" The romance in Italy was somewhat ick for me, but it was nice to see Margaret getting to finally live a bit of life. It rounds out her character nicely and I was surprised it didn't take up a larger portion of the book, though I'm rarely a fan of high romance in historical fiction.
All in all, this made me want to do some research of my own on Margaret Fuller and possibly read some of her writings, but I was very underwhelmed by the book itself.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be very slow in the beginning. It definitely doesn't start in medias res. We had to be introduced to every famous name, just in case we didn't recognize them, and then spend a few more chapters flitting around them with nothing happening, before the book actually picks up. In my opinion, the first seven chapters could easily have been condensed into one chapter and had the few remaining bits of important info sprinkled through later chapters.
Nothing really starts to happen until about 40% but even then it's still rather slow. There's a bit of interesting stuff here and there but not enough for me to want to keep reading once I reached the end of a chapter. The whole thing felt rather aimless, almost more of a biography than a novel with a plot, but perhaps that was the point? If so, I think the author should have focused on the more interesting things in Margaret Fuller's life instead of showing us so many boring moments. Margaret definitely wrote interesting things and seems to have influenced many famous people, but judging by this book, her life wasn't very exciting. She doesn't seem to have really *done* much other than write, which doesn't make for a very interesting novel subject. She goes for walks with Emerson and Thoreau, she complains about her money woes, she had less-than-scintillating conversations with Hawthorne, she writes books and articles, she hosts roundtable discussions with other women, she hears Poe read some poems and argues with him, but in general there was never anything gluing my eyes to the pages. Margaret wanders around living her intellectual life, but it's not very fun to read about.
It's not until about 65% that Margaret really starts to do stuff that is interesting to read about. This is where I would have started the book if I were writing it, as so much of what came before didn't seem worth writing about. Not that Margaret wasn't living an exciting life all this time, it just wasn't exciting when viewed from the outside. I don't mean to be too harsh, because there were some interesting parts in the first 2/3 of the book, but my eyes glazed over more often than not, only perking up when another famous name was dropped for the seemingly sole purpose of enlivening a book that relied far too much on these cameos doing the heavy lifting. But there was so much about Margaret's time in Europe that is barely mentioned that I would have liked to know much more about. Not just the famous names, but to know more what Margaret thought about these ancient cities from the point of view of an extremely learned woman born in such a young country. She briefly touches on her thoughts about Victoria's Britain and as soon as we moved on I thought to myself "We spent fifty pages on flowers but this gets a few paragraphs?!?!" The romance in Italy was somewhat ick for me, but it was nice to see Margaret getting to finally live a bit of life. It rounds out her character nicely and I was surprised it didn't take up a larger portion of the book, though I'm rarely a fan of high romance in historical fiction.
All in all, this made me want to do some research of my own on Margaret Fuller and possibly read some of her writings, but I was very underwhelmed by the book itself.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2024
This novel provides an impressive vista of the life and times of Margaret Fuller, someone whom I knew nothing about until I read this book. Margaret was an early proponent of gender equality and was an activist for women's rights during the 1800s. After reading this comprehensive and fascinating book, I am in awe of the many things that this woman accomplished in her lifetime. Margaret wanted to break through the puritanical thoughts of gender constraints while encouraging "the free expression of ideas".
Margaret Fuller worked as a teacher, tutor, and writer. She became a published author, the co-editor of the New York Tribune newspaper along with Horace Greeley, and was the first American foreign newspaper correspondent. She did all of this during a time when women were discouraged from any roles other than wife and mother. Margaret also maintained professional relationships with Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as becoming a dear friend of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
I found Allison Pataki's writing to be both lyrical and poetic in nature. It is so fluid that it easily pulls the reader into time and place, whether that is Boston, New York City, or Rome. She paints a virtual picture with her words of some of the greatest thinkers, poets, musicians, and writers of the 19th century. Though lengthy, this story was never boring.
I recommend this book as a "must read" for fans of historical fiction and/or women's fiction. And would also like to encourage readers, if they haven't already done so, to add Ms. Pataki's previous novel The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post to their TBR lists.
My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Margaret Fuller worked as a teacher, tutor, and writer. She became a published author, the co-editor of the New York Tribune newspaper along with Horace Greeley, and was the first American foreign newspaper correspondent. She did all of this during a time when women were discouraged from any roles other than wife and mother. Margaret also maintained professional relationships with Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as becoming a dear friend of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
I found Allison Pataki's writing to be both lyrical and poetic in nature. It is so fluid that it easily pulls the reader into time and place, whether that is Boston, New York City, or Rome. She paints a virtual picture with her words of some of the greatest thinkers, poets, musicians, and writers of the 19th century. Though lengthy, this story was never boring.
I recommend this book as a "must read" for fans of historical fiction and/or women's fiction. And would also like to encourage readers, if they haven't already done so, to add Ms. Pataki's previous novel The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post to their TBR lists.
My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 5, 2024
Author Allison Pataki is known for her fascinating historical fiction about overlooked important women. While I had heard of Margaret Fuller, it was the writings of other Transcendentalists--Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne--that were assigned years ago in high school. "Finding Margaret Fuller" opens in 1836 when Fuller accepts an invitation to visit Ralph Waldo Emerson and his wife in Concord, Massachusetts. With Bronson Alcott and Henry Thoreau, the writers shared a love of nature and intellectual ideas.
Fuller's father educated her as if she were a son, schooling her in the classics and multiple languages. When her father died, leaving her mother to raise their children on a small inheritance, Fuller had to step in to help financially. She worked as a teacher and a translator, wrote articles and several books, and was the editor of "The Dial" Transcendentalist magazine. She wrote a popular book, "Summer on the Lakes," about her travels in the newly settled areas around the Great Lakes and American Midwest. Her book, "Women in the Nineteenth Century," called for equality in education for girls and voting rights for women. It also told how economic desperation drove women to prostitution. Fuller was an abolitionist against slavery, and exposed the terrible conditions in prisons and mental institutions.
Fuller had moved from the Boston area to New York City when she went to work for Horace Greeley's "Tribune." He sent her to Europe where she became the first female foreign news correspondent. Fuller fell in love with Rome--as well as with Marchese Giovanni Ossoli. They were in Rome during the Italian Revolution in 1849, but needed to escape to Florence for safety with their young son. The Ossoli family was traveling to America when their ship sank off Fire Island, New York. The Prologue included a scene when Emerson sent Thoreau to Fire Island to look for the trunk containing her manuscript about the Italian Revolution in Rome, her legacy, but it was never found.
I enjoyed reading about Margaret Fuller and other literary giants of the Nineteenth Century. A highlight of the book was the way the beauty of Walden Pond and the woods in Concord were described. The descriptions of Rome were also gorgeous as Marchese Ossoli showed off his native Rome to Fuller. Beautiful, brilliant Margaret Fuller was at the cutting edge of her times, educated like a man but expected to act like a woman. She was always pushing the boundaries for equality for women and the rights of every individual. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Fuller's father educated her as if she were a son, schooling her in the classics and multiple languages. When her father died, leaving her mother to raise their children on a small inheritance, Fuller had to step in to help financially. She worked as a teacher and a translator, wrote articles and several books, and was the editor of "The Dial" Transcendentalist magazine. She wrote a popular book, "Summer on the Lakes," about her travels in the newly settled areas around the Great Lakes and American Midwest. Her book, "Women in the Nineteenth Century," called for equality in education for girls and voting rights for women. It also told how economic desperation drove women to prostitution. Fuller was an abolitionist against slavery, and exposed the terrible conditions in prisons and mental institutions.
Fuller had moved from the Boston area to New York City when she went to work for Horace Greeley's "Tribune." He sent her to Europe where she became the first female foreign news correspondent. Fuller fell in love with Rome--as well as with Marchese Giovanni Ossoli. They were in Rome during the Italian Revolution in 1849, but needed to escape to Florence for safety with their young son. The Ossoli family was traveling to America when their ship sank off Fire Island, New York. The Prologue included a scene when Emerson sent Thoreau to Fire Island to look for the trunk containing her manuscript about the Italian Revolution in Rome, her legacy, but it was never found.
I enjoyed reading about Margaret Fuller and other literary giants of the Nineteenth Century. A highlight of the book was the way the beauty of Walden Pond and the woods in Concord were described. The descriptions of Rome were also gorgeous as Marchese Ossoli showed off his native Rome to Fuller. Beautiful, brilliant Margaret Fuller was at the cutting edge of her times, educated like a man but expected to act like a woman. She was always pushing the boundaries for equality for women and the rights of every individual. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Read
November 25, 20254.5🌟
Wow! I think Allison Pataki has slid into my top 5 for favorite authors and the yarns they weave. I am grateful to have learned about this real life woman and her influence and the life of the great authors from that time who most everyone is already familiar with.
Wow! I think Allison Pataki has slid into my top 5 for favorite authors and the yarns they weave. I am grateful to have learned about this real life woman and her influence and the life of the great authors from that time who most everyone is already familiar with.
June 13, 2024
After the prologue, I almost put the book down. I felt slammed with the 'name-dropping' of so many famous people of the mid 1800's: Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, Hawthorne. Margaret Fuller was real and interacted with all of them. I have never heard of her!!
I am glad that I continued, because once chapter 1 started, it was slower and flowed more easily.
Here is what the author has to say about her own book.
"If indeed it was Margaret Fuller whose “radiant genius and fiery heart was perhaps the real centre” of this incredible period of creativity and human drama—as was claimed by Ralph Waldo Emerson—then why do so few people know the extent of her legacy? Or even her name? That was the question that prompted my initial search to learn more of the fascinating details of Margaret Fuller’s life, and then spurred me on to write this work of historical fiction inspired by her life and legacy."
Margaret was a teacher, an editor, and ultimately a journalist. Her last job was to work for Horace Greeley at the New York Times. Greeley sent her to Europe where she met many more people: George Sand and Frederic Chopin, to name two. She pined to come home to America with her new husband and child and died near Fire Island in a storm that sunk her boat.
In the epilogue, Louisa May Alcott, remembering her and her impact on women's rights, was sad that she was not there to attend the National Woman’s Rights Convention.
"... that’s when Louisa realizes it: Margaret has gotten them started. Hers was the flame that first lit the way. Now it falls to her, Louisa May Alcott, and the countless others who grew stronger in the radiant glow of her brilliance, to keep the march moving forward."
Strongly, STRONGLY recommend.
5 stars
I am glad that I continued, because once chapter 1 started, it was slower and flowed more easily.
Here is what the author has to say about her own book.
"If indeed it was Margaret Fuller whose “radiant genius and fiery heart was perhaps the real centre” of this incredible period of creativity and human drama—as was claimed by Ralph Waldo Emerson—then why do so few people know the extent of her legacy? Or even her name? That was the question that prompted my initial search to learn more of the fascinating details of Margaret Fuller’s life, and then spurred me on to write this work of historical fiction inspired by her life and legacy."
Margaret was a teacher, an editor, and ultimately a journalist. Her last job was to work for Horace Greeley at the New York Times. Greeley sent her to Europe where she met many more people: George Sand and Frederic Chopin, to name two. She pined to come home to America with her new husband and child and died near Fire Island in a storm that sunk her boat.
In the epilogue, Louisa May Alcott, remembering her and her impact on women's rights, was sad that she was not there to attend the National Woman’s Rights Convention.
"... that’s when Louisa realizes it: Margaret has gotten them started. Hers was the flame that first lit the way. Now it falls to her, Louisa May Alcott, and the countless others who grew stronger in the radiant glow of her brilliance, to keep the march moving forward."
Strongly, STRONGLY recommend.
5 stars
July 20, 2024
Polish Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki is a glimpse into the life and legacy of Margaret Fuller, a 19th-century journalist, critic, and women's rights advocate. Fuller befriends literary greats such as Bronson Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry William Trudeau. And presidential nominee, Horace Greeley.
This novel goes through Fuller’s adult life as she struggles to monetarily assist her mother and siblings. She achieves amazing professional achievements for a single woman in the 19th century. A review of Fuller’s work by Edgar Allen Poe, often a critic but seemingly in support this time, once stated, “Humanity is divided into men, women and Margaret Fuller.” She advocates for women and those enslaved for education and living their lives in freedom. She was the first woman permitted to use the library at Harvard. She was the first female correspondant to be sent to be sent to Europe (England and Italy). During this time Fuller meets Giovanni in Italy, they marry and have a child.
Pataki truly captures Fuller's drive and intellect. She paints a vivid picture of her relentless pursuit of knowledge and equality. The novel is a must read for anyone interested in women's history and the impact of Fuller's work on American society prior to the women’s suffragist movement. She was definitely a woman before her time.
This novel goes through Fuller’s adult life as she struggles to monetarily assist her mother and siblings. She achieves amazing professional achievements for a single woman in the 19th century. A review of Fuller’s work by Edgar Allen Poe, often a critic but seemingly in support this time, once stated, “Humanity is divided into men, women and Margaret Fuller.” She advocates for women and those enslaved for education and living their lives in freedom. She was the first woman permitted to use the library at Harvard. She was the first female correspondant to be sent to be sent to Europe (England and Italy). During this time Fuller meets Giovanni in Italy, they marry and have a child.
Pataki truly captures Fuller's drive and intellect. She paints a vivid picture of her relentless pursuit of knowledge and equality. The novel is a must read for anyone interested in women's history and the impact of Fuller's work on American society prior to the women’s suffragist movement. She was definitely a woman before her time.
April 14, 2024
3.5 stars
What a lovely ode to a remarkable, inspiring woman. If ever a woman fit the phrase ‘ahead of her time,’ it is Margaret Fuller, brilliant, spirited, and a devoted champion of human rights. The story has a slow start, and the character’s life drives this biographical fiction. Margaret Fuller was a woman whose life was filled with firsts. Devoted to personal freedom and female agency, she struggled to find her place and voice in a world constantly working against her. The first person narration lends an intimate tone to the novel, and the prose is vivid and engaging. Famous and sometimes scandalous historical figures pepper the tale, and Boston, New York City, and Rome come alive on the pages. This is another timely character study of a courageous, groundbreaking woman whose contributions to the world have largely been lost from the history books.
What a lovely ode to a remarkable, inspiring woman. If ever a woman fit the phrase ‘ahead of her time,’ it is Margaret Fuller, brilliant, spirited, and a devoted champion of human rights. The story has a slow start, and the character’s life drives this biographical fiction. Margaret Fuller was a woman whose life was filled with firsts. Devoted to personal freedom and female agency, she struggled to find her place and voice in a world constantly working against her. The first person narration lends an intimate tone to the novel, and the prose is vivid and engaging. Famous and sometimes scandalous historical figures pepper the tale, and Boston, New York City, and Rome come alive on the pages. This is another timely character study of a courageous, groundbreaking woman whose contributions to the world have largely been lost from the history books.
February 7, 2024
QOTD:Have you heard of the name Margaret Fuller? Did you learn about her in school?
Chances are, like me, you haven't and didn't. Next question: Have you heard of Ralph Waldo Emerson? Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne? I can hear all of you shouting, "YES!" This is precisely why you should read this! Of course, it is captivating, but above all, it is imperative that we hear how this trailblazer fit into history. Allison Pataki uses her thorough research to paint a vivid picture of the contributions Margaret Fuller has made. I am grateful for her talented writing.
Chances are, like me, you haven't and didn't. Next question: Have you heard of Ralph Waldo Emerson? Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne? I can hear all of you shouting, "YES!" This is precisely why you should read this! Of course, it is captivating, but above all, it is imperative that we hear how this trailblazer fit into history. Allison Pataki uses her thorough research to paint a vivid picture of the contributions Margaret Fuller has made. I am grateful for her talented writing.
April 26, 2024
Allison Pataki is a master of bringing women from history to vivid life, and FINDING MARGARET FULLER is no exception. From a young Louisa Alcott to Elizabeth Browning, to Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, readers will enjoy watching some of history's most fascinating writers and thinkers both feed one another's creativity and challenge one another. The scenes from Fuller's time in Italy are rendered in the most dazzling color, but always shadowed by the inevitability of tragedy, yet the reader can't turn pages fast enough.
Featuring a protagonist with a brilliant mind, a generous heart, and a lively spirit, FINDING MARGARET FULLER is the epic story of a woman who forges her own path with grace and dignity. I give the novel my highest recommendation.
Featuring a protagonist with a brilliant mind, a generous heart, and a lively spirit, FINDING MARGARET FULLER is the epic story of a woman who forges her own path with grace and dignity. I give the novel my highest recommendation.
March 31, 2025
This historical novel is told in the autobiographic first person voice of Margaret Fuller (1810-1850). Margaret Fuller was an American journalist, editor, critic, translator, and women's rights advocate associated with the American transcendentalism movement. She was the first American female war correspondent and full-time book reviewer in journalism. Her book
Woman in the Nineteenth Century
is considered the first major feminist work in the United States.
I previously listened to the nonfiction biography Margaret Fuller: A New American Life , by Megan Marshall. So I was familiar with the story of her life, and when I learned about this recently published fictional rendering of her life by Allison Pataki I had to check it out. I found it covered the story of her life quite well, and its novel format permits telling the story in a personal and intimate manner that includes her interior thoughts. For those who want to learn about their history in this sort of format, this book delivers. I prefer the nonfiction format.
Margaret Fuller's interaction with other writers of the nineteenth century and her experience as foreign correspondent both provide a unique perspective on the history of that era. Furthermore she seemed to have had a libertine view of life that was one-hundred-fifty years ahead of her time. The most visible example of this was while she was in Italy she became pregnant and eventually married a man who was her junior (she was 37, he was 26). That is no big deal today, but in the 1840s it was scandalous.
Nevertheless her reputation as a writer continued to be respected and her friends and family were looking forward to her return to the States with the manuscript of a new book about the history of the short lived Roman Republic of 1849–1850. Unfortunately the ship on which she, her husband, and child were passengers floundered and sank off the coast of Fire Island, New York. All three perished, and her manuscript for her book was also lost.
I might add that in this book the reader is informed about the manner of her death in its Prolog. Thus when she has dreams and premonitions of about death at sea, the reader knows where this story is headed. In the end it's a sad story of a talented woman whose life was tragically cut short. Had she survived her return to the States it is almost certain she would have been a dominate literary person and active in the early women's feminist movement.
I previously listened to the nonfiction biography Margaret Fuller: A New American Life , by Megan Marshall. So I was familiar with the story of her life, and when I learned about this recently published fictional rendering of her life by Allison Pataki I had to check it out. I found it covered the story of her life quite well, and its novel format permits telling the story in a personal and intimate manner that includes her interior thoughts. For those who want to learn about their history in this sort of format, this book delivers. I prefer the nonfiction format.
Margaret Fuller's interaction with other writers of the nineteenth century and her experience as foreign correspondent both provide a unique perspective on the history of that era. Furthermore she seemed to have had a libertine view of life that was one-hundred-fifty years ahead of her time. The most visible example of this was while she was in Italy she became pregnant and eventually married a man who was her junior (she was 37, he was 26). That is no big deal today, but in the 1840s it was scandalous.
Nevertheless her reputation as a writer continued to be respected and her friends and family were looking forward to her return to the States with the manuscript of a new book about the history of the short lived Roman Republic of 1849–1850. Unfortunately the ship on which she, her husband, and child were passengers floundered and sank off the coast of Fire Island, New York. All three perished, and her manuscript for her book was also lost.
I might add that in this book the reader is informed about the manner of her death in its Prolog. Thus when she has dreams and premonitions of about death at sea, the reader knows where this story is headed. In the end it's a sad story of a talented woman whose life was tragically cut short. Had she survived her return to the States it is almost certain she would have been a dominate literary person and active in the early women's feminist movement.
March 13, 2024
A cast of well known, sometimes scandalous, historical characters did not make this any easier for me to really enjoy. This title had all the hallmarks l normally love in historical fiction. The trail was populated with people I’ve met in studies and literature. Despite this I didn’t relate to the story.
Margaret Fuller was obviously a determined force but I was not engaging with her.
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Margaret Fuller was obviously a determined force but I was not engaging with her.
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
March 13, 2024
Finding Margaret Fuller
By: Allison Pataki
Publishing: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Length: 416 pages
5🗞️🗞️🗞️🗞️🗞️
1836-This novel is so full of richness. I had not heard of Margaret Fuller, but her life was extraordinary.
🗞️
She spends so much time with some of the literary giants. Ralph Waldo Emerson is touched by her words and gives her an opportunity to stay with him and meet his eclectic array of friends. She meets Henry Thoreau and Bronson Alcott who daughters include the impressionable Louisa May Alcott, who is a kindred spirit. Bronson was not a nice man. He gave her a job as a teacher which led to a toxic relationship, but Margaret was close with his family.
🗞️
After having many opportunities where women were not included, she was more determined to make her mark in this world. She was not swayed by naysayers. After some published work she gets a job at the New-York Tribune. After success there her boss gives her an assignment to cover news in Europe.
🗞️
She meets a charming Italian man and ends up having a child.
🗞️
I was absolutely fascinating by her life and read more about her. She was the first American female correspondent and a women’s writes advocate.
🗞️
If you love novels about strong females, I highly recommend this one.
By: Allison Pataki
Publishing: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Length: 416 pages
5🗞️🗞️🗞️🗞️🗞️
1836-This novel is so full of richness. I had not heard of Margaret Fuller, but her life was extraordinary.
🗞️
She spends so much time with some of the literary giants. Ralph Waldo Emerson is touched by her words and gives her an opportunity to stay with him and meet his eclectic array of friends. She meets Henry Thoreau and Bronson Alcott who daughters include the impressionable Louisa May Alcott, who is a kindred spirit. Bronson was not a nice man. He gave her a job as a teacher which led to a toxic relationship, but Margaret was close with his family.
🗞️
After having many opportunities where women were not included, she was more determined to make her mark in this world. She was not swayed by naysayers. After some published work she gets a job at the New-York Tribune. After success there her boss gives her an assignment to cover news in Europe.
🗞️
She meets a charming Italian man and ends up having a child.
🗞️
I was absolutely fascinating by her life and read more about her. She was the first American female correspondent and a women’s writes advocate.
🗞️
If you love novels about strong females, I highly recommend this one.
June 11, 2024
A plodding tedious read. For a woman so perpetually broke she certainly could afford extensive travel.
March 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Margaret Fuller is a force to be reconned with. From her famous friends (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathanial Hawthorne, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, a young Louisa May Alcott) to her commitment to writing (journalist, translator, editor, writer) to being a member of the transcendentalism movement and an advocate for women’s rights. To say she was remarkable is an understatement.
Heavily character driven at the beginning, I had a hard time getting into the beginning of this story. It was very slow with its flowery (1800 appropriate) speech and name dropping. Although revered by her famous friends, she seemed to be taken advantage of, mainly due to her being a woman. The story dragged for me until about 2/3 of the way in, then seemed to follow more of a story of her time overseas until her dramatic ending, which is hinted at in the first chapter. The writing is excellent and research top notch. Even though this wasn’t a hit for me, I enjoyed learning about this amazing women who was ahead of her time. I recommend Ms. Pataki’s earlier books, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post and Beauty in the Broken Places.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Margaret Fuller is a force to be reconned with. From her famous friends (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathanial Hawthorne, Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, a young Louisa May Alcott) to her commitment to writing (journalist, translator, editor, writer) to being a member of the transcendentalism movement and an advocate for women’s rights. To say she was remarkable is an understatement.
Heavily character driven at the beginning, I had a hard time getting into the beginning of this story. It was very slow with its flowery (1800 appropriate) speech and name dropping. Although revered by her famous friends, she seemed to be taken advantage of, mainly due to her being a woman. The story dragged for me until about 2/3 of the way in, then seemed to follow more of a story of her time overseas until her dramatic ending, which is hinted at in the first chapter. The writing is excellent and research top notch. Even though this wasn’t a hit for me, I enjoyed learning about this amazing women who was ahead of her time. I recommend Ms. Pataki’s earlier books, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post and Beauty in the Broken Places.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
May 5, 2024
Books like this are why I love historical fiction so much! I was not familiar with Margaret Fuller, who was a brilliant intellectual in Concord in the mid 1800’s, and was a central figure in the Transcendental movement, alongside Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. She was a friend to Louisa May Alcott from the time she was a child. She worked for Horace Greeley both in New York and in Italy. She had an enormous impact on many women who later pushed for women’s rights. Thank you to Allison Pataki for bringing this largely forgotten woman back into our world!
Read
March 19, 2024Finding Margaret Fuller is a well-written, well-researched novel of an overlooked woman in literary history. I am opting not to give this title a star rating simply due to the fact that Goodreads ratings are commensurate with likeability which would warrant a lesser star rating that I think this book deserves. I enjoyed Ms. Pataki's writing very much, but I simply found Margaret Fuller to be rather boring in comparison to all the other women about whom the author has previously written.
May 29, 2024
Goodreads desperately needs a DNF rating that doesn’t count towards your total. I just drop them from my list unless I make it more than halfway, as I did with this one. I’d prefer a way to keep up with all DNFs but not if it inflates my total. FWP, I know.
As it turns out, I don’t understand transcendentalism any more in historical fiction form than I do in its original form. Margaret Fuller can stay missing.
As it turns out, I don’t understand transcendentalism any more in historical fiction form than I do in its original form. Margaret Fuller can stay missing.
April 4, 2024
I know I am in the minority but I did not enjoy this book. I looked forward to seeing how all of the famous people would be woven into the narrative. I was interested in the literary connections. But, I found the book to be slow and wordy. I appreciate that it was very well researched and give credit for that. It came as a surprise that I found that this was just not a book for me.
April 16, 2024
When I pick up a book by Allison Pataki I know I am going to read about a part of history full of life and a leading woman who deserved a bigger spotlight in history.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I really don’t know where to start! Every single aspect of this sweeping story captured my heart and attention from the very beginning.
Margaret Fuller was a fascinating, intelligent woman who was a trailblazer for women’s rights and equality during the 19th century. She’s even earned the nickname “Mother” of the American women’s rights movement.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Women in history
Strong Women
Lush Atmosphere
Friendships
Courage
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
This gripping story held a steady pace as I found myself truly inspired by Fuller’s life.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
I really don’t know where to start! Every single aspect of this sweeping story captured my heart and attention from the very beginning.
Margaret Fuller was a fascinating, intelligent woman who was a trailblazer for women’s rights and equality during the 19th century. She’s even earned the nickname “Mother” of the American women’s rights movement.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Women in history
Strong Women
Lush Atmosphere
Friendships
Courage
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
This gripping story held a steady pace as I found myself truly inspired by Fuller’s life.
June 12, 2024
For someone who is supposed to be quite the exciting historical figure this book was dull. It's hard to determine which parts are true to Margaret Fuller's life and which parts are romantic flourishes. Pataki is clearly more interested in hypothetical conversations between Fuller and her famous contemporaries than the extraordinary work Fuller did on her own. With long, drawn-out glances between her and her male Trascendentalist counterparts but only a few paragraphs mentioning her interviews with the women of Sing Sing prison, it feels like this book glosses over some of the real Margaret Fuller's more interesting views and accomplishments.
February 3, 2024
This is a book that totally absorbed me as I read of all the famous authors of the 19th Century. I did not know about Margaret Fuller when I began this book and found it absolutely jaw dropping as my favorite authors of that period were introduced to me as real people in addition to being famous authors. Such notables as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Horace Greely and many more became real to me as you follow the life and career of Margaret Fuller. Her travels take her from Concord, New York, London, Paris, and Rome and all over the world. She was a novelist, a poet, a teacher, the first woman foreign journalist and so very much more. I felt that I was actually living in those days and places. Margaret Fuller was a powerhouse of influence and someone we should always remember.
This is not the first book I have read by this very talented author and it will not be the last. Her style of placing the reader in the period and feeling you have met these people is incredible. I highly recommend this book to anyone interesting in life in the 19th century famous authors, women’s rights advocates, and world travels. If I could award more stars than 5, I would gladly do so. If you love history this book is not to be missed.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Random House – Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is not the first book I have read by this very talented author and it will not be the last. Her style of placing the reader in the period and feeling you have met these people is incredible. I highly recommend this book to anyone interesting in life in the 19th century famous authors, women’s rights advocates, and world travels. If I could award more stars than 5, I would gladly do so. If you love history this book is not to be missed.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Random House – Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 10, 2024
This is a biographical historical fiction novel inspired by America's forgotten leading lady. Margaret Fuller was a trailblazing 19th-century transcendentalist writer who was the first woman to study at Harvard, writing foundational documents for the women's rights movement. She was also a central figure among renowned thinkers like Hawthorne and Thoreau. Emerson described her as a radiant genius with a fiery heart. She was Nathaniel Hawthorne's inspiration in writing the character of Hester Prynne. She was a role model to Louisa May Alcott, a mentor to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and an idol of sorts to Susan B.
This skillfully rendered and soul-stirring novel pulls Margaret from the footnotes and a supporting cast to put her center stage as a sweeping, iconic legacy that we should know more about.
Through this story, we learn about an amazing woman - her complex relationships, radical ideas on marriage and women's education, untimely death, and enduring influence on feminist history. She was offered the role of president of the National Women's Rights Movement, which convened for the first time in October in Worcester, Massachusetts. The tragedy is that she died way too young in a shipwreck as she was on her way back to America in the summer of 1850.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
This skillfully rendered and soul-stirring novel pulls Margaret from the footnotes and a supporting cast to put her center stage as a sweeping, iconic legacy that we should know more about.
Through this story, we learn about an amazing woman - her complex relationships, radical ideas on marriage and women's education, untimely death, and enduring influence on feminist history. She was offered the role of president of the National Women's Rights Movement, which convened for the first time in October in Worcester, Massachusetts. The tragedy is that she died way too young in a shipwreck as she was on her way back to America in the summer of 1850.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
April 3, 2024
I love Allison Pataki’s previous historic novels but was not engrossed in this one . Margaret’s life in America was not very interesting despite her interactions with famous writers. Her shorter time in Europe was fascinating. The opening announcement of her drowning was a spoiler.
October 4, 2024
So much drivel. This was a brilliant woman who had an elevated reputation and many feminist works. This book seems as though the writer can’t decide on writing a 2¢ romance novel or tell about this woman’s work. What about her time in the expanding west? … glossed over. Drivel and fluff!
August 26, 2024
Awful, gloppy Harlequin type romance based upon a great female educator and mind. I gave up at about page 60, feeling embarrassed to have been reading it. Lifetime movie to come?
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November 18, 2024September 2025 Booked for Lunch Book Club Pick!
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