A Brave and Lovely Woman: Mamah Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright

by Mark Borthwick

Mamah Borthwick was an energetic, intelligent, and charismatic woman who earned a master’s degree at a time when few women even attended college, translated writings by a key figure of the early feminist movement, and taught at one of Germany’s best schools for boys. She is best known, however, as the mistress of the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and for her shocking murder at the renowned Wisconsin home he built for her, Taliesin. A Brave and Lovely Woman offers an important corrective to the narrative of Wright and Borthwick, a love story as American in character as it is Shakespearean in conclusion. 

Little of Wright’s life and work has been left untouched by his many admirers, critics, and biographers. And yet the woman who stood at the center of his emotional life, Mamah Borthwick, has fallen into near obscurity. Mark Borthwick—a distant relative—recenters Mamah Borthwick in her own life, presenting a detailed portrait of a fascinating woman, a complicated figure who was at once a dedicated mother and a faithless spouse, a feminist and a member of a conservative sorority, a vivacious extrovert and a social pariah. Careful research and engaging prose at last give Borthwick, an obscure but crucial character in one of America’s most famous tragedies, center stage.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2023

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to do some searching to find this book as it was only available thru an inter library loan. I'm glad to have read it as it did provide some history about Mamah B and FLW. However, because the original material about or by Mamah is so scarce much of the book is just suppositions. For example, in chapter 5 that includes descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair, the author talks about the new "L" in Chicago, and that "Borthwick...would have ridden it to and from the fair..." When referring to the exhibits at the fair, he states, "She is likely to have been drawn to the displays of female accomplishment in the Woman's Building." There is hardly a page in the book that doesn't speculate that Mamah "would have" done something or was "likely to have" done something. I found this especially curious after this comment on page 4: "In addition to these academic publications, there have been more fanciful adaptations, such as Nancy Horan's novel Loving Frank. This is a work of historical fiction and not a useful source, though it unfortunately is occasionally cited as such."

I did find this book much more scholarly than Nancy Horan's book (which I enjoyed very much) but I would say that this book could also be called historical fiction. It is just a shame that so little of Mamah's original letters and writings have not survived.

[Santa Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book by Mark Borthwick on my shelf for over two years, hesitating to dive in because I knew I would have to confront the painful ending of Mamah Borthwick's life. Those who know me well are aware of my deep affection for *Loving Frank*, a book that holds a special place in my heart. My connection to Mamah Borthwick is profound; she was indeed a brave and lovely woman, someone who endured unimaginable hardships in her quest for happiness.

Mamah's story resonates with me because she faced judgment and adversity simply because of her gender. I often find myself reflecting on the idea of reincarnation, feeling as though I share a special connection with her—almost as if I knew her in a past life. The bond I feel is inexplicable, yet I believe her beautiful soul lives on, transcending time and existing now in a different body, but still radiating kindness and love.

While Frank Lloyd Wright is certainly famous, it's crucial not to overlook Mamah, who risked everything in pursuit of love and happiness during a time when women had so few rights. She was an educated woman, one of the first to earn a master’s degree, and her courage to defy societal norms is truly inspiring. To the man who took her life, I hope karma has made you pay for hurting someone who had so much hope for a brighter future for women.

Borthwick has done an excellent job of researching Mamah’s life, providing a more authentic version of her story. If you want to understand Mamah Borthwick and her remarkable journey, I highly recommend this book. Mamah, may your love and kindness continue to shine wherever you are.

[Nancy Mcdaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating book this was
For those of us (probably MOST of us) who only knew of Mamah as FLW's lover and soulmate who was brutally murdered at Taliesin (along with her children), this is a revelation! What an amazing, accomplished, fascinating woman - a FEMINIST before I knew the word existed. I really liked how, because there was s little documentation, the author used "may have" or "could have" in constructing the timeline, based on what was happening at the time and in their lives. Beautifully created, I thought.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having first read 'Loving Frank', other books on FLW, it is wonderful to read a book written by a relative of Mamah Borthwick to bring a believable summary of the relationship between Mamah and FLW. A tragedy to eclipse all others.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful rendering of the story of Frank Lloyd Wright and his lasting love, Mamah Bouton Borthwick. The author (no relation) skillfully researched the early life and collegiate career of Mamah, along with her marriage to Edwin Cheney. This nonfiction work interweaves themes of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural prowess, and the convergence of their love for each other at a time when divorce was still very much frowned upon, and skillfully describes their determination to live a life together despite societal morals of the time. The tragedy that ended their time together is not told sensationally, but realistically portrayed. This is an excellent book for anyone wishing to know more about both Mamah Borthwick, and her impact on Frank Lloyd Wright, along with her role in the rising women’s movement of the early 20th Century.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I am familiar with the FLW story, I found this a very enjoyable read.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important person in the Frank Lloyd Wright story with details about her life before and during her time with Wright.

There are many pieces here I have not seen in any of the books on Wright.

[Erin Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 I am grateful a book exists about Mamah instead of Frank. Clearly she was a very accomplished woman and I am glad there now exists an account that centers on her instead of her being a part of another Frank book. There were times, however, that the book felt very centered on Frank and I was like ‘I don’t care bring me back to Mamah’
I understand in historical works sometimes you have to make some guesses based on what we do know. However, some of these instances felt like big reaches. “Married life may have looked as constraining as the whalebone cage of her corset” was a particularly egregious instance.
I appreciated the respect with which this book handled the events at Taliesin. I appreciate that it gave more context to the whole story and didn’t sensationalize things.