The House at Lobster Cove

by Jane Goodrich

He was Boston's largest taxpayer with little interest in civic affairs. He was listed in the Blue Book but joined no clubs. His magnificent dining room at Kragsyde, his house at Lobster Cove, rarely entertained visitors. If George Nixon Black was mentioned at all, it was almost as rumor. His greenhouses boasted rare plants, his collection of antiques and paintings were extraordinary and his patronage of the arts favored unknown female artists. Each winter he quietly boarded a luxury European-bound steamship with a man eighteen years his junior. Despite a privileged youth marred by violence and uncertainty, contrasted with the danger his lifestyle and secrets placed him in, his ability to obtain happiness and be himself was remarkable. While Black was probably content to slip away unnoticed, Kragsyde was to have no such fate. Garnering much attention when it was first built, and adored by architects and scholars ever since, the famous shingle-style house has made it impossible for Black to fully disappear. In The House at Lobster Cove, you will see behind the doors of Kragsyde, the house that sheltered and shaped him, and continued to tell his story long after both were gone. Using characters, letters and events from history, Jane Goodrich's first novel is part family saga and part love story, as well as an engaging personal journey for the author. Although Kragsyde was demolished in 1929, it was later rebuilt, in every detail, by Goodrich and her husband, doing all the work themselves on an island in Maine. A special feature of this edition is the letterpress printed cover and title page, hand printed on 100% cotton paper at the author's studios at Saturn Press in Maine.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, LGBT, Book Club

377 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Liz Moffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buying books at a Library's used book sale can yield some real duds. But every so often, you are lucky enough to strike Gold and I did with this book. Drawn by the pressed printed cover and pages, I threw it in my $.25 cent paperback pile, having never heard the book mentioned anywhere before. I am so grateful I did as it is one of the most beautiful books I have had the privilege of reading. Recalling the life story of Charles Nixon Black, one of Boston's wealthiest, perhaps most private, gentleman from the 1850s to 1928. Historically, his life allows the author to weave the reader through some of the country's biggest events- the Civil War, the Great War, the Flu Pandemic of 1919- and I appreciated the way she did so. Not making the history the event but using the history to tell the story. At the heart of this book, it is a love story. Check that- Multiple love stories. First love. Unrequited love. The love between siblings. The love between friends. The love between humans and their animals. The love between an owner and a house (Kragsyde, a Shingle Style masterpiece). And most importantly, and most beautifully, was the love story between two men- who despite living in a time when society was in no way, shape or form accepting of a same sex relationship, managed to carve out the most beautiful, loving, rich, fulfilling life with one another. It was an honor to witness this relationship on paper.
I am also just blown away with the author's connection to her subject. She and her husband painstakingly rebuilt the exact Kragsyde on an island in Maine (Black built his summer cottage in Manchester by the Sea, Mass.) She wrote this book based on historical research about Black and the people in his life and combined it with her imagination to create this masterpiece. And the book itself is a work of art. Goodrich is a printer and the book is beautiful to hold in your hands.
And even more beautiful to hold in your heart and mind, which I will for many years to come.

[Courtney Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an impulse purchase at a quaint little bookstore called Manchester By the Book in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. I was limited on time and wanted to bring back a souvenir. The signed copy was sitting near the checkout with its stunning cover and deckle edge (I think that is the correct term). It was an easy choice!

This historical novel included many places I have visited which kept me intrigued: Maine; Cambridge (Harvard/Mount Auburn Cemetery); Boston (Trinity Church/MFA/Beacon Hill/Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum); Manchester; Wenham; London. The romance portion of the book was not of interest to me, but I appreciated that it was not too detailed in nature. Learning about George Nixon Black, his family and friends, and the historical elements surrounding his existence made for a very interesting read. There are several places in Maine and Massachusetts I would like to visit or revisit due to reading this book.

The afterword in this book was an unexpected treat. I really enjoyed learning about the author, Jane Goodrich, her interest in Kragsyde, and the rebuild in Maine. She is the cofounder of Saturn Press which explains the absolutely gorgeous book cover!

[Erin Cadwalader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up while we were on vacation in Maine because I was drawn to the cover, exactly what you're supposed to base a book on. But, as a lover of architecture, in this case my instincts did not lead me astray. Like any historical fiction based on a real person who led a deliberately quiet life, this gorgeous book is a beautiful slow burn. I would have immediately sent it to my mom who loved art and architecture, a good character study, and living in Boston.

It is the story of George Nixon Black, who was one of the wealthiest and most discrete men in Boston. Born in Maine to a family that made their wealth in the logging industry, his father relocated the family to Boston when Nixon, as he was known, was in high school. He was also gay when that was not accepted in most society. The story that unfolds is one of a life lived perhaps in the shadows but with great dignity and romance nonetheless.

The most impressive part of all of it is that the author was struck by a photo as a child of the titular house. Later, she and her husband decided to recreate it themselves in Maine, and through that she came across the first hints at Nixon's story. So the book has a beauty to it that is apparent on the surface level, but then when you understand the author's connection and passion, it enhances the whole experience. And now I have some new things to check out the next time I'm in Boston.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember first learning of Kragsyde in a college art history class, a visual that has stuck in my mind since. The author had a similar experience, it seems, but she then went on to build a mirror replica of the house with her husband, and also researched and wrote this fascinating book. I love the genre, which I describe as fictional biography rooted in deep research. It really is a treasure of a book, especially for those who are fans of Kragsyde (and/or Peabody & Stearns architecture). It tells a fascinating story about a relatively obscure individual, George Nixon Black, whose wealth and vision enabled Kragsyde to become a reality. Even if the home was destroyed shortly after his death.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of all time. For sure and for so many reasons. It’s going to be my “read it once a year book.” George Nixon Black is now one of my heroes and I am so glad that his story, his life and truest self can be shared with the world with the creativity, care and compassion of Jane Goodrich. I hope I have the chance to visit her Kragsyde at some point in my life.

[Eileen O'Finlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written it's almost lyrical. Based on real people, it traces the life of George Nixon Black, Jr. from his childhood before the American Civil War to his death in the early 20th century. The characters are well-drawn. An excellent work of historical literary fiction.

[Amy Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. A book that will stick with me for years to come. Not an easy read but both beautiful and poignant.

[Rosanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and restrained, perhaps like Black himself, and that's the beauty of a book like this. You can imagine what you want of him, because what do we know? Goodrich's interpretation is as good as any, and compelling and satisfying.

[Donna Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - where to begin? This book is a novel, historical fiction, that follows the life of George Nixon Black, who lived from about 1840 to 1928. Nixon, as he was known, grew up in Ellsworth, ME, and then in Boston. (These are two of my favorite places to visit, so what's not to like about this book?) According to the author, Nixon, a very private person, left very few papers about his life, so her research included letters and events from history, as well as interviews with descendants. The House at Lobster Cove was built at Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, and was demolished shortly after Nixon's death. The author, by the way, researched the house carefully, and she and her husband-to-be built a replica of it on an island in Maine, which is still their residence, I believe. The writing is superb; I would almost call it sophisticated. The development of the characters is thorough, but is carefully and thoughtfully done, almost as if the author knew these individuals, and wanted to be sure to get it right. Nixon was gay, and there are parts of the novel which discuss his discovery of this, and his relationships with several individuals for whom he had strong feelings, including one long-term relationship. It also should be mentioned that Nixon, who was identified at the time of his death by Time Magazine as a Boston capitalist and philanthropist, was once the largest single taxpayer in Boston, and it is interesting to hear how he used some of that wealth for the many causes about which he cared. But again, the book covers Nixon's life, from his boyhood in Ellsworth, through his growing-up years, through the Civil War and World War I, through his adult life shared with his lover, and finally through the challenges of his later years. The author has done a wonderful job with all these time periods. She ended the book with an Afterword, in which she tells about her love for the house, her interest in the life of Nixon, and her research. Also, importantly, she mentions that Nixon's house in Ellsworth has been preserved, and is open to the public. Interestingly, I have visited that house, and now that I have read this book, I want to go back and visit it again, as it will be so much more meaningful now. She also points out that one can see his Boston house, which is near the Boston Common, which I am sure I have also seen. (The Boston house now contains several apartments). And finally, the version of the book that I have is a beautiful book. The notes on the inside back cover indicate that the cover, which was hand-lettered by the author, and the title-page insert, were letterpress-printed by a studio in Maine co-founded by the author. All in all, this was a wonderful book to read.

[Mose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up "The House at Lobster Cove" after reading a piece written by author Jane Goodrich in a recent issue of Yankee Magazine. I was intrigued by her own story and connection to George Nixon Black and his beloved Kragsyde—by the impact each has had on her and how both have motivated her to preserve and create.

Goodrich brings to life and gives voice to a man she's been fascinated with for a good portion of her life, and what a wonderful story to get wrapped up (and lost) in. She has created something special here—she brings history and a host of characters alive and melds them with fact and humanity. The result is a spectacular story filled with characters I liked and wanted to know. (Sweet Nixon...his gentle way is endearing, and I would like him as a friend.)

The author writes, envisions, and creates beautifully. I loved her writing style—the imagery from a simple sentence or two ("Grief carries a thousand things in its pockets. One of these things is liberation.") to full paragraphs that are eloquent, lyrical, graceful. Twice she describes death in the most magnificent way.

I grew fond of her characters and wanted to learn more about them, this era, this region. (A number of times while reading, I turned to the internet for additional information on people and places. I was pleased to learn that Woodlawn, in Ellsworth, Maine, has been preserved and today is open to the public.)

I finished the book with a strong suspicion that the author left no stone unturned in bringing Nixon to life and in sharing him with us. While she gave it her all, though, I didn’t want it to end. Just like Nixon's Kragsyde, this novel possesses "history and romance, but also a taste of magic..."

As a side note, the book itself is beautiful—from the cover that was hand-lettered and letter-press printed at the author's studio, to the "antique" type/fonts used for the text as well as the headers for each chapter (Goodrich provides a history on this at the end of the book); the attention to detail is amazing.

[Erika Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this book by Jane Goodrich and realized quickly it's not really a traditional novel but rather a "historical memoir" in that it's a true account -- at least in its broad elements -- of the life of an intriguing and private man, George Nixon Black who was at one time (early 1900s) the largest taxpayer in the City Of Boston. He'd built an important home in Manchester-By-The-Sea (on Lobster Cove) which the author has meticulously rebuilt on an island off Bar Harbor in Maine near where Mr. Black spent his childhood.

So that's the background. The story itself is intimate, lovingly told with all the things one might like about historical fiction (which I do). I have a personal connection to the places in this story (Boston, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Ellsworth, ME, etc.) but Ms. Goodrich's writing is so detailed and rich that it stands beautifully as a novel. Her craft of writing is also, at times, really beautiful. In fact, there were times I had to re-read sections because the writing is so lyrical, and at times, truly insightful about human beings. I really enjoyed it.

If you have time to spend with a book, pick this one up. Don't read it quickly. It's a story told at a measured pace:). Enjoy it for what it is: time to spend back in another era, another place with intriguing people (who happen to be real).

[Robert Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an astonishing book! It is quickly going on my top-shelf, reserved for only my very favorite books, and I will surely be recommending it to many more readers.

What Jane Goodrich has done to reconstruct the life of George Nixon Black, a man who was rather obscure to history, is as impressive as her reconstruction of his home, Kragsyde. Despite the fact that I am rarely drawn to Civil War through Depression era books, I was completely enraptured by the writing and the character.

And what a character! It is so rare to find a character, fictional or based on historical, who feels so real and who invites so much empathy. As a gay man also making my life in Maine, how could I not find connection with Nixon? His triumphs in this book were my triumphs, and each of his heartbreaks were a loss. His loves, his difficulties with family and acquaintances, and his personal struggles all have the air of truth, too familiar in spite of a chasm of a century between us. I will think on his story for many years to come, and it begs the question—how many stories of this sort are still out there, hidden from history?

Fabulous. A must-read for lovers of history, architecture, and most of all love.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The book kept me interested. I liked how it shifted between past and Nixon's present time. I liked how it shifted between characters. It was moving and insightful at times. I think that the description for the book tells more than what's actually in the book, or perhaps you are to infer what is written in the description. I kept waiting for more Ah-ha moments, and none of that really happened. If I hadn't known that Nixon was gay, it probably would have taken me half the book to figure it out. The description also mentions how he supported the arts, and I feel that yes it's mentioned throughout the book but more of an aside. ex. There's talk about knowing of Isabella Stewart Gardner, but nothing that says outright how the two collections compare. It seemed to me the main buyer of antiquities was Charles, his lover, and Nixon merely financed it. Their trips every winter are not mentioned in great detail. There is detail of one trip, which I guess started the tradition, but other trips are only lightly touched upon.

That said, there are every day life details and observations which are very touching and moving. The book is gentle, reflective and moving.

[Suzanne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely. The book itself is beautiful, printed on smooth, thick paper in a lovely font. It is the story of a man and his times more than the house - at Lobster Cove - he built; an imagining, thoroughly researched and told with care and respect. Nixon Black was born in 1842 in Ellsworth, Maine, into a wealthy family; they moved to Boston when he was a teenager. His life spans the Civil War, the Gilded Age, and World War I; he died in 1928, before the stock market crash and the Great Depression. Black lived quietly, careful not to reveal that he was gay. You could say the extravagant, wonderful house he built on a bluff overlooking the sea was the manifestation of his true self. Anyway, I savored this book, both for the moment in time it opened to me and because it's suffused with beauty, joy, and love.

[Ann Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive example of historical biography fiction -- the kind that kindles your curiosity to know more and sends you off into hours of googling people, places, event, and especially pictures. The life of George Nixon Black, Jr., an incredibly wealthy and thoroughly modest man, began in the 1850s and ended in1928, providing a platform for distant glimpses of the Civil War, World War II and the great fire of Boston, among other major events. However, the focus remain entirely on the personal world of Nixon.

The physical book contributes a significant feeling of reverence toward its content. The choices of paper, type face, and cover stock all reflect the quiet elegance of long gone luxuries. The understated perfection of both the writing and the publishing reflect the remarkable taste and talent of Jane Goodrich.

[Pamela Mansfield-loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historical novel based on fact, the author’s reason for writing it and her discoveries and inspiration are equally fascinating. In each scene she reveals details about the life of Charles Nixon Black, a Boston philanthropist born before the civil war. All that shaped him to become the person he was is told chronologically, slowly telling more about how he came to build the house at Lobster Cove. The local connections held great interest for me, as did this complicated man who loved animals and cared for his family. I’d like to retrace his steps to his Beacon Hill home, the Trinity Church where his donated stained glass window can be seen, his summer home in Manchester, Ellsworth where his lifelong partner redesigned a neighbor’s home to be the public library, and his family home, now a museum. As for his summer home Kragsyde at Lobster Cove, it was demolished but the architectural plans were kept at the museum of fine arts and the were used to build the author’s home in Maine.

[Ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is so beautifully written and tells the life of a marvelous man, George Nixon Black Jr., who has been largely forgotten . It all began with the author's obsession with his summer home Kragsyde, which, alas, was demolished soon after Black's death in 1929. The author writes with such passion and draws you in so completely that every moment of joy, despair, and in between become awfully real. It has inspired me to tour the places that were important to him in Ellsworth, ME, Boston, Nahant, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. An extraordinary man, an extraordinary life, and an extraordinary novel.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was such a wonderful read on so many levels. The fact that it is Jane Goodrich’s debut novel on top of all the other joys about this book makes me hope there is the possibility of another book. The premise of the novel - the fictionalized biography of a man who was once Boston’s single largest tax payer is not the most attention grabbing subject but as a native Bostonian myself that was enough to peak my interest. George Nixon Black Jr left 12 pieces of correspondence and a will and from there Jane begins the story that she had been waiting to tell and the reader is eager to read. His legacy thankfully is no longer a secret.

[Kenneth Speth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensitively written and poignant story of the life of George Nixon Black, Jr. who built the magnificent seaside summer home "Kragsyde" along the rugged Massachusetts coast in the early 1880's. The story takes the reader on a well-researched and sensitive journey through a time-period which now seems like an entirely different world....a time where one's social position usually determined your path in life. You will be totally engulfed by the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The House at Lobster Cove"!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House at Lobster Cove is a rich historical novel that deserves extended reading sessions to fully appreciate the imagery that the writing evokes as it follows the life of Bostonian George Nixon Black, living a life below the radar so he could be true to himself. I only had short periods of time to read, which I found made it difficult to just pick up where I left off and get into the book again. It would be a wonderful book to bring as a vacation read, or once pleasure travel returns, an extended flight read.

[Josh Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. The beautifully drawn cover is a work of art; a lovely addition to the bookshelf. It’s too bad that I found it unreadable. The story within is difficult to wade through, lost in wordiness and seas of unnecessary anecdotes. It’s like the author decided to share every bit of information she dug up, all the while burying the story of George Nixon Black Jr., who seems like a fascinating character. I guess I’ll wait for the abridged version, or a different telling by an author with a good editor and the sense to bring the story to the forefront.

[Mal Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written biographical novel. Goodrich introduced me to a man I knew almost nothing about--I had really only heard of him because of my proximity to his childhood hometown and his grandfather's house--and portrayed a well-researched and realistic narrative of his life. The side-characters and their stories were also fascinating, like the one of the priest John Bapst.

A great debut novel, and well-worth the read.

[Abelirapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been very fortunate that the last two books I read, John Boyne's The Hearts Invisible Furies and now The House at Lobster Cove have been such incredible reads. The House at Lobster Cove is so beautifully written with so much heart. The attention to detail and the rounding of the characters are so well thought out. The story evolves seamlessly. It is a book you cannot put down and don't want it to end. Not a quick read but you really don't want it to be.

[Shellie Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story based on a house at Lobster Cove that really did exist in the 1800’s. George Nixon Black was a wealthy gentleman that had to deal with loss and being gay in the mid 1800’s. Of course it was kept secret, but many knew and suspected. It was nicely written and a believable story that was written based on letters and documents.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lucky find in the used book shop of a library. I love books with such detail and a house as a character. The fact that the author built a new Kragsyde is amazing. Her research and dedication to telling the story of George Nixon Black is remarkable. I’m going to keep The House At Lobster Cove to read again.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Goodrich's book is a masterpiece. It is exquisitely clear that she took years to put this intensively researched historical novel together. Her protagonist is a gem of a person; her writing is rich and insightful and packed with gorgeous sentences and observations. Don't try to rush through this story. It is a work of art to savor.

[DMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating deep-dive historical fiction about a man who had some significant impacts on history. The descriptions, characters, and conversations felt true, and I loved learning about this history of Ellesworth, ME; Boston, and the MA coast. This book was clearly a labor of love. Kept my interest throughout. Now I want to see some of the places mentioned in the book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who loves well-researched historical fiction set in Boston and the North Shore, this is an old-fashioned treat of a novel. Filled with loads of descriptive pages of personages and places, it can feel a bit much ... like a good friend who loves to name drop ... but I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in this world. 4.5 stars

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best I ever read. Complex and compelling, written with artful detail and literary craft, impressive in its construction and interwoven threads of personal stories, told with historical accuracy forming a backdrop that shapes a sensitive and beautiful human story, what a wonderful read. Thanks for writing this, Mrs. Goodrich!!! it’s a fine and fantastic novel.

[Grace Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice fictionalized account of the original builder and owner of the author's house in Maine. George Nixon Black lived from about 1840 until about 1928. He was wealthy and gay, and extremely private. Interesting as social history and nicely imagined and written.