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    Mrs. Poe
    Mrs. Poe
    Mrs. Poe
    Audiobook12 hours

    Mrs. Poe

    Written by Lynn Cullen

    Narrated by Eliza Foss

    3.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    Inspired by literature’s most haunting love triangle, award-winning author Lynn Cullen delivers a pitch-perfect rendering of Edgar Allan Poe, his mistress’s tantalizing confession, and his wife’s frightening obsession in this new masterpiece of historical fiction to which Sara Gruen says, “Mrs. Poe had my heart racing...Don't miss it!”

    1845: New York City is a sprawling warren of gaslit streets and crowded avenues, bustling with new immigrants and old money, optimism and opportunity, poverty and crime. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” is all the rage—the success of which a struggling poet like Frances Osgood can only dream. As a mother trying to support two young children after her husband’s cruel betrayal, Frances jumps at the chance to meet the illustrious Mr. Poe at a small literary gathering, if only to help her fledgling career. Although not a great fan of Poe’s writing, she is nonetheless overwhelmed by his magnetic presence—and the surprising revelation that he admires her work.

    What follows is a flirtation, then a seduction, then an illicit affair…and with each clandestine encounter, Frances finds herself falling slowly and inexorably under the spell of her mysterious, complicated lover. But when Edgar’s frail wife, Virginia, insists on befriending Frances as well, the relationship becomes as dark and twisted as one of Poe’s tales. And like those gothic heroines whose fates are forever sealed, Frances begins to fear that deceiving Mrs. Poe may be as impossible as cheating death itself…

    And don't miss the next captivating novel from Lynn Cullen—Twain’s End—where the acclaimed author tells a fictionalized imagining of the relationship between iconic author Mark Twain and his personal secretary, Isabel Lyon.

    Editor's Note

    A literary love affair…

    Darkly romantic, this fictionalized account of the rumored affair between the poets Frances Sargent Osgood and Edgar Allan Poe is a spellbinding tale of literary love, composed in Gothic prose worthy of its subjects.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
    Release dateOct 1, 2013
    ISBN9781442366589
    Author

    Lynn Cullen

    Lynn Cullen camped in Harriman State Park when visiting New York City as a thirteen-year-old. Like Harris, she braced herself for embarrassment: "I felt like a neon sign was flashing over our ancient canvas car carrier: Tourists! Tourists!" Lynn Cullen grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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    Reviews for Mrs. Poe

    3.5/5

    213 ratings49 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I am a great fan of smart historical fiction. I expected to like Lynn Cullen's novel about the experiences of a mistress of Edgar Allan Poe very much; Mrs. Poe met or exceeded all of my expectations. This book offers plenty of romance and suspense for fans of those genres to enjoy. The primary focus, which I found was most interesting, was the efforts of a young woman determined to be a writer at an inopportune historical time (that is, most any historical time, for women).

      Some historical fiction is narrated in a romantic or at least nostalgic third-person voice. One thing that impressed me about this novel was the decidedly down-to-earth first-person narration. The authoress protagonist is literally comparing her lot to that of a hooker, in good humor, on the first page!

      Another attraction of this story, which I didn't know before I read it, is that it's based on a historically real woman, Frances Sargent Osgood, who did indeed have a relationship with Edgar Allan Poe. This book is about as well-researched and informative as it is purely fanciful, more or less.

      I was able to read an electronic galley of Mrs. Poe through generous permission of the publisher, Gallery Books of Simon & Schuster.
    • 4/5
      Historical fiction told from the point of view of his rumored mistress. Both were married to other spouses but most of their "affair' took place through their poetry. Well paced, interesting background information, etc. Really enjoyed this one.
    • 3/5
      This novel did keep me reading, but was ultimately a disappointment. The author did an absorbing job with the period setting (1840s New York). I thought perhaps, having abandoned all pretense of historicity, the author was aiming for a slow, chilling revelation that Mrs. Poe was part Lolita, part duMaurier's Rebecca, all monster. This didn't quite come off either, due to an ill-conceived and worse-executed plot twist at the denouement which left a great many loose ends.

      I tried to forget that the book was supposed to be about Poe and pretended it was about some anonymous tall, dark, teetotalling sex symbol writing popular poetry and short stories in the NYC of the Astors & Vanderbilts. If you can pull that off, it may be a reasonably fun diversion.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book! I was introduced to characters I was unfamiliar with, and saw Poe from a different perspective than I had imagined him prior to reading this. Cullen creates a character in Poe that readers can be empathetic of. Definitely a book to recommend.
    • 4/5
      First and foremost, Mrs. Poe is a story of a doomed love affair between two married people but in telling her story, the author, Lynn Cullen also manages to shine a light on the ambitions and rivalries of literary New York in the 1840’s. In these pages you will meet authors such as Clement Moore, Herman Melville, Louisa May Alcott and, Edgar Allan Poe.It was however, the main character, Frances Osborne, who drew my sympathy and attention. At this time, she had been deserted by her artist husband, and had to rely on the kindness of her friends to house both herself and her two young daughters. She is a published poet and a writer of children’s stories but due to the popularity of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” publishers are asking her to change the style and content of her writing to be more like Poe’s. They are looking for a “Mrs. Poe”. Meanwhile she meets the original Mr. Poe at a literary gathering and a spark is ignited.I found Mrs. Poe a very layered read, full of atmosphere, tension, passion and mystery. A gathering of interesting and original characters, one of which, the real life consumptive Virginia Poe deserves special mention, this will be a character I long remember. With Mrs. Poe the author has created a masterful blending of history and fiction and served up a compelling story.
    • 5/5
      I must admit to not knowing much about Edgar Allan Poe except for his reputation for writing the most macabre stories and poems. Mrs. Poe interested me as a novel for just that reason - I love to learn a bit as I'm entertained. I'll admit that I didn't learn an awful lot about Mr. Poe but I was highly entertained. Once I started reading I found it very hard to put the book down.Frances Osgood was a writer in of poetry and children's stories - the one we most know now is Puss in Boots - and was part of a very literary society in New York prior to the Civil War. Edgar Allan Poe had just made a sensation with The Raven. The two of them met and in the novel had quite an attraction for one another. In reality no one truly knows how far it went but they did write some very flirtatious poems back and forth to each other in Mr. Poe's literary journal that caused a sensation at the time.Mrs. Poe explores the what might have beens in the author's imagination and I found myself carried along by the possibilities and with the other fascinating character in the book - New York City. It plays as important a role as Edgar, his wife Virginia and Mrs. Osgood.There are many fascinating people of the period who make appearances in the book from Walt Whitman to Samuel Morse to Margaret Teller and it was fun to see who would show up next. The salons that the characters attended were great vehicles for the writers of the time to meet and discuss the problems of the day.Now, this is fiction and Ms. Cullen writes in her author's note that no one truly knows how any of this played out and there has been much fuss and bother in many review threads I have perused. But it's fiction. It's the author's imagination and I for one was quite pleased with the story I read and the way the characters handled themselves. It was a fascinating read.
    • 3/5
      Read this with a Halloween desire for a little spookiness and also in anticipation of seeing a play about Poe and his wife -- was in for something else altogether! This is historical fiction (still not sure how much is truly accurate) and focuses on a brief 2 year span (1845-47) of Poe in NYC when the Raven is published and his popularity takes flight. There he meets Frances (Fanny) Osgood, a poet in her own right, but lesser known since she writes for women and children. Her husband Samuel is a portrait artist, but a philanderer and has essentially abandoned Fanny and their 2 young daughters. For the sake of respectability, Fanny is living with the Bartlett family, peers in her social circle and is trying to earn a living with her writing. She and Poe meet at a literary "conversazione" a weekly event hosted by another society arts lover and featuring some of the literati of the time: Margaret Fuller, Horace Greely, Walt Whitman, John James Audabon, Louisa Alcott, etc. After several of these meetings, Fanny and Poe develop a friendship that also includes his wife (and first cousin!), Virgina who is in the last stages of consumption. She and Poe married when she was 13 and he was 26 (true!) and her mother, (his aunt) is their housekeeper/nurse to Virginia. Even as Poe and Fanny's feelings for each other develop and grow into an affair, Fanny is embroiled in the toxic family dynamic. A few bizarre coincidences and situations (true????) put Fanny's life in danger and reinforce the creepy vibe associated with the Poe family. Interesting look at the time period, the social conventions, the other great American writers of the era and especially at Poe's life and personality. Without these, it would be romantic drivel.
    • 5/5
      I have always been fascinated by Edgar Allan Poe. Besides being absolutely in love with his literary works, I've also considered him an enigmatic figure who is, and was, widely misunderstood by many people. It turns out that the author of Mrs. Poe felt the same, as evidenced by her wonderful depiction of the man in her book. I have also become intrigued by Frances Osgood, someone I knew very little of before reading this book. The depiction of Osgood in this book is beautiful. I felt like I was listening to the story of a friend. Perhaps I felt akin to her because I too am raising my children primarily alone and I am also a writer. But it's more than that. She is the classic representation of the insecurities that women face, especially women of her era when women were, in many minds, best suited for duties on the home front.

      Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the introduction of all the historical and literary figures to the story. Frances' visits to Anne Lynch's salon conversaziones introduce us to characters who are so interesting and lively...and menacing. Who could have stood their ground against the formidable Margaret Fuller? What a bear of a woman. Even Louisa Alcott made an appearance (love her), although sadly, we didn't hear much from her.

      The subject of Mrs. Poe, Edgar's young wife, is a strange one. I did not know that he had married his cousin and that she was so young when they married. That's an intriguing story. I won't say too much so not to spoil the story. However, she was an odd character and I have to admit to getting mildly creeped out by her early on. For instance, she mimics the voice of Fanny Butler because she was not happy about her close interaction with her husband. Well, this gave me chills. Some excellent foreshadowing of what was to come.

      Mrs. Poe is a terrific historical novel. The author presents a story of Poe that I believe has never been told and succeeds in giving us a picture of him that is much more refreshing than the rumors of the past. I admit that I have several of the author's books, but this is the first I've had a chance to read one of her novels. I'm very much looking forward to reading her previous works and her future offerings.
    • 3/5
      Having never read anything about Mr. Poe before, I thought this book was fascinating. Told from the perspective of his mistress, it was very informative. I thought her details of New York in 1847 were quite well done, it felt as cold and as dirty as London often was. Sad though, at the end.
    • 4/5
      Synopsis:This historical fiction looks at the relationship between Francis Osgood, Edgar Allen Poe, and his wife, Mrs. Poe.There has long been speculation that Francis and Edgar were more than platonic friends and that they had a love affair while Edgar's wife was still alive. This book asks the question, what if that were true?Mrs. Poe inserts herself into a friendship with Francis and then suddenly bad things start to happen. Could it be Mrs. Poe trying to sabotage her husband's relationship or is it all in Francis' head?My rating:4/5I had a good time with this book overall. I struggled a bit with the pacing and some of the events in the book but as I looked into noted historical events many of the things I wasn't a fan of were, unfortunately, historically accurate and nothing that could have been easily blended into different context by the author. Basically, history doesn't always make the best fiction. I did enjoy the study of these historical figures and particularly the way Edgar Allen Poe was presented and characterized. Overall I enjoyed his portrayal though at times he stepped a hair over the line in the dark and broody aspect of his nature. I liked Francis who, prior to reading this novel, I knew almost nothing about. Mrs. Poe was an annoying character however I am under the impression that the traits that made her unlikable were present in reality so I can't fault the author for my feelings of frustration with the character. She says things that are inappropriate in certain situations. Her dialogue jumped all over the place and was hard to follow. It was as if she was failing to hold any thought for more than a moment.With the exception of Mrs. Poe's scenes, I really liked the dialogue in this book and found much of it witty.I also really enjoyed the presentation of setting in this novel. There is particularly a conversation between Poe and Francis about how Jacob Astor acquired his fortune and I just absolutely loved that conversation. For me, the plot was the weakest part of this book but I believe that was due to the authors allegiance to historical accuracy rather than any fault in her storytelling.Overall I did enjoy this story and if you are looking for a book with Poe as a character I would recommend picking this up.
    • 4/5
      Interesting twist at the end of this novel; I didn't see it coming. Even more interesting is that no one who claims to know anything bout Edgar Allan Poe can agree on whether or not he really had this affair. This requires further investigation! Which for me, is the ultimate gift encapsulated in a historical novel: awakening my curiosity and desire to know MORE.
    • 2/5
      Historical fiction that focuses on the relationship between Frances Osgood, a poetess, and Edgar Allan Poe, newly famous for “The Raven,” and complicated by the attempts at friendship between Poe’s wife and Frances.Well, I wanted to like this. I enjoy historical fiction, and especially those works that explore a little-known coincidence or relationship. Cullen clearly did much research into her two main characters. There is more information available about Poe, as he was the more famous writer and his works are still taught in high school English classes today. But there is much misinformation about Poe; his first “biographer” was his rival Rufus Griswold, who wrote out-and-out lies in an effort to besmirch Poe’s reputation (and perhaps, elevate his own). Osgood’s story is less well-known, but her poetry remains, and in the author’s notes at the end of the novel, Cullen states that she tried to let Osgood’s and Poe’s own writings “speak for themselves.”I just never really felt any love between them. I got tired of the longing and yearning and attempts to stay apart, only to be inextricably drawn together. I never could figure out the role of Virginia, Poe’s wife (and younger cousin). I think this is in part a result of Cullen’s doing down the path of “dark, mysterious, horror” that everyone associates with Poe. She states in her author’s notes that she never intended for this to be a dark tale, but that Poe’s story just naturally led in that direction. I wish she has found a way to resist that pull. The result is that this is neither a good “mystery / suspense” story nor a good love story. I never knew about the connection between these two; heck, I didn’t know anything about Frances Osgood at all. I’m glad to have learned a little about it, though I learned much more from the author’s notes than from the novel itself.
    • 5/5
      I was not familiar with this book or author until it was picked for our bookclub this month. I am so happy that they did for it gave me a chance to read this beautifully written novel. Set in 1845 at the peak of Edgar Allen Poe's fame from the Raven this novel is laced with intimate details of a love triangle. Not knowing if things will work out and with who will keep you reading straight though. I adored this book.
    • 4/5
      I was initially disappointed in this one, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I enjoyed it. To get my initial thorn out of the way: I wanted the main character, Fanny Osgood, to be more Scarlett O'Hara and less Melanie Wilkes. Once, in a scene involving Fanny, at the height of decorum, I thought of the quote by Scarlett about Melanie, "...silly little fool who can't open her mouth except to say 'yes' or 'no' and raise a passel of mealy-mouthed brats just like her." However, I realize after reflecting on the story, characters, and writing that I was completely wrong. Fanny is acting exactly how she was raised, to be respectful, kind, and acquiescing. The fact that Virginia is emboldened in both word and deed is eventually explained by Poe by explaining that she stayed as a child. The tension between Poe and Fanny was evident, as was Virginia's increasing awareness of their relationship. While I admit that I did want Fanny to be a little more free to allow herself these illicit feelings, the time and culture did not permit that she act on her feelings. Her concern for Virginia was yet another testament to her character. And speaking of characters! What a wonderfully colorful collection of REAL historical figures in this story! When historical fiction drives a reader to do more reading and research, there is no greater compliment to an author. I loved reading about Griswold's penchant for hand adornments, Fuller's growing friendship and trust with Fanny, Bartlett's interest in Southern colloquialisms, and Ellet's drive to ruin anyone who wronged her. The fact that these were real people has driven me straight to historical references to learn more. All-in-all, when my friend Kerri recommended this book to me, she did me a favor! Recommended.
    • 5/5
      As enamoured as I am of Edgar Allen Poe and the beauty of his writing, it was a no brainer that I would read Mrs. Poe. To see the love of this man through the eyes of the one woman who never really existed. What would she have been like? What would he have seen in her? And what of the real Mrs. Poe?Lynn Cullen had me wishing that the story was true. The saddest heart finding its one true love, finding a moment of solace in what is otherwise a very dark and lonely existence. All of this revolving around a poem that many of us define as our favorite…”The Raven”.We see Poe as we may never have seen him before. He is happy and enjoying life as best he can. He plays with the children and recites poetry to the love of his life. This turns the rest of his life upside down. He no longer wants the sorrow of his home life. He sees the sorrow that is his in reality and he is no longer happy to stay that way.Mrs. Poe now sees the threat of his joy. She realizes that as he becomes happier he gets further away from her. Mrs. Poe’s mother lives with the young couple and who really understands if it is for her benefit or for her daughter’s? The pair are unusual to say the least. It is hard to say if the daughter is following the mother’s lead or the other way around but their combined personality would drive anyone crazy.Frances Osgood, the presumed Lenore is a writer of poems, mother and very unhappily married. She is looking to the poetry to find happiness and she finds Poe. He fills her heart as only a misery can. She finds a reason to be happy beyond her children.The relationship between the four adults is complicated will keep you on the edge of your seat. If only Poe found his happiness. What a dream that would be…
    • 4/5
      A dark romantic tale fitting for Edgar Allan Poe. I had not previously encountered Frances Sargent Osgood, a female writer rumored to have had an affair with the famous Poe, but I am now intrigued by this fascinating lady, and by Poe's young wife Virginia. Parts of this novel strike me as implausible, but overall the author has excelled at creating a story which fits with the 19th-century literary movement.
    • 5/5
      Amazing historical fiction
    • 5/5
      Such a painful and thoughtful book, so filled with images and longing and despair. Well, one writes about Poe, so there is despair, isn't there? (Paraphrased from the author's book club interview at the back.)Lynn Cullen perfectly gets the quality of New York City in the heyday of its building up into a major metropolis. The sounds, the smells, the cold, the ice all creeping into worn-out shoes and under shawls and up through layers of skirts. New York, Manhattan island, is awash in new building as the new money of John Jacob Astor and his fur trade (and some say opium trade) flatten what had been rolling farmland into build-able graded ground.Into this new hubbub of bustle and change come the family of Frances Osgood, a daughter of high society, sans husband Samuel who is off on his latest conquest of a rich heiress to paint. With two young girls to support, Frances must turn to her writing to support her family just as The Raven" hits the salons and everyday lives of the American public.And then Frances meets Edgar Allen Poe and this historical novel comes together beautifully. These are two individuals married to others whom they try desperately to love, but cannot. Poe has married his cousin when she was 13 and he soon realizes his mistake but can do nothing to change it without dishonoring an otherwise sweet young child. Frances knows she is deserted but cannot get a divorce in mid-19th century Victorian America. Swirled around their lives are the salons that feature Rev. Griswold, Miss Fuller, and the poets and writers and characters of the day. All of the historical characters are brought into play in a believable manner, something not often achievable with historical fiction.I was drawn into this book despite my lack of great enthusiasm for American lit (I know, I know!) and drawn into the sadness of the two main characters. Ms. Cullen has gone through the poems that were the letters of Frances and Edgar, poring over what there is of original source material in order to avoid the well-known descriptions of Poe as drunken madman to find his hidden passion. And the letters and poems of a young woman poet who has to find her voice in the midst of turmoil. Definitely a worthwhile book."
    • 4/5
      When one is asked to name a tragic literary figures, Edgar Allen Poe has to be in the top 10. Much of the depiction of Poe as a drunkard and philanderer was the result of a libelous obituary written by Rev. Rufus Griswold, a literary rival, on Poe's death at 40 years of age. Another source of the animosity between the two men was their competition for the affections of Frances Osgood, a struggling poet and the subject of this historical novel. The novel is entitled Mrs. Poe as an indicator for the close friendship between Edgar and Frances. Although each loved the other, both were married to another. During 1845, the two exchanged love poems which was published after her death by Frances's husband. The author's research was evident in creating the culture of the mid-19th century NYC. I enjoyed reading about the conversaziones, scholarly social gatherings for the discussion of literature and art. I was introduced in the novel to such contemporaries as Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and photographer Matthew Brady. The author's depiction of the storefronts, parks, and rural landscapes as the two walked the streets or traveled in carriages made the city come to life.
    • 5/5
      Lynn Cullen’s Mrs. Poe delivers the passion for characters that I had found in Anna Karenina, the tragedy that I discovered in Splendor In the Grass, and the thrill ride that I experienced in Poe’s eerily written stories. Mrs. Poe is most undesirable in personality. She is childish and annoying all the way around. In fact, I liked her so little that I really wasn’t shocked that Mr. Poe would seek another woman. I yearned to find some redemptive qualities in her. Whether I found them or not, I can not say, lest I take away the your own yearning, which is part of the suspense of the book. I found Osgood to be a wonderfully strong character and Poe to be very much how I might have imagined him, deeply troubled but likable.
      The story line elements are abundant with history, literary references, and real life characters, all contained in a gripping romance that is full of conflict. I loved Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen. May you enjoy it as much should you have the chance to read it.
    • 2/5
      This is a book that was recommended to me by a friend. It sounded like something I would like for a lighter read. The story is the affair between Edgar Allen Poe and Frances Osgood and how the unhinged and sick Mrs. Poe takes her revenge on Frances. I thought it might be fun as I like historical fiction and I like literary figures. And I also got the impression it was a romance and might be fun in that sense. I was hoping for another [Loving Frank]. Well, the book was really not done very well. The romance between Poe and Frances was boring and didn't have the passion the author was obviously going for. Poe's child bride, dying of consumption, was more pathetic than scary as she becomes more and more jealous of Frances. Also, in an effort to make this qualify as historical fiction, the author throws in guest appearances of every "name" from this era. Even Sylvester Graham, the inventor of the graham cracker makes an appearance. It really ends up feeling like those people everyone knows who "name-drop" any mildly famous or successful person that they may have run into once. Another thing that annoyed me was that Cullen used the word "reticule" every other page. A reticule is the word used for a purse back then and Cullen seems to have latched onto it as a way to show off her knowledge of the era. Seriously, it seemed like every other page some woman was reaching for her reticule. But it stood out because she didn't use any other terms like that. But she knew that one, so in the book it went. Maybe I'm being a little harsh. The book was fine - easy to read and mildly interesting - but I think there are much better books that would fit the same general reading desire.
    • 3/5
      This novel did keep me reading, but was ultimately a disappointment. The author did an absorbing job with the period setting (1840s New York). I thought perhaps, having abandoned all pretense of historicity, the author was aiming for a slow, chilling revelation that Mrs. Poe was part Lolita, part duMaurier's Rebecca, all monster. This didn't quite come off either, due to an ill-conceived and worse-executed plot twist at the denouement which left a great many loose ends.

      I tried to forget that the book was supposed to be about Poe and pretended it was about some anonymous tall, dark, teetotalling sex symbol writing popular poetry and short stories in the NYC of the Astors & Vanderbilts. If you can pull that off, it may be a reasonably fun diversion.
    • 3/5
      Here's the gist of most of this story: Edgar Allan Poe and Frances Osgood fall in love at first sight (even though both are married); he constantly calls at her residence on barely disguised pretexts; after he leaves, she sneaks out to meet him down the block; they kiss; she says "this cannot be;" he angrily stalks off. It was boring. Things heated up closer to the end of the book, but there were some mysterious events that were inserted in the last 40 pages or so that were not even hinted at earlier which - if fleshed out a bit - might have made the story more interesting. As presented, Edgar Allan Poe seemed like a real jerk, and one wonders why Frances, who seemed intelligent and independent, fell in love with him.
    • 3/5
      Pretty good, and reasonably engaging, although I thought the murder plot by Mrs. Clemm at the end not only came out of nowhere but was just bizarre and inappropriate to the tone of the novel - and utterly unnecessary. Otherwise, this was a pretty good book.
    • 3/5
      Well written interesting take on the lives of Frances Osgood and Edgar Allan Poe. Story was a little all over the place at times, but still intriguing enough to keep me reading. Made me want to look into the true facts about the situation, which is a good thing. The story itself wasn't overly memorable but hey if it got me to want to learn something, that is gotta be worth something.
    • 5/5
      I do love Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen. It is 1845 in New York City and the latest rage is The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. Ms. Cullen sets the scenes well with historical details and so subtly. You see the faces around the table in a different light with gaslight, you see pigs feasting on garbage in the streets, and you can tell the social class of children by their clothing. You go to gatherings with a wide variety of people like James Fennimore Cooper, Mr. Bartlett (Bartlett’s quotations) Horace Greeley, Margaret Fuller, Walt Whitman and Matthew Brady and even John James Audubon. Not only does this book make you want to read more about Poe and his poetry but also about the rest of the people in the conversations.Mrs. Poe is not the narrator of the book, Mrs. Frances Osgood is. Her husband abandons his family without goodbyes as he goes off to paint and romance his rich subjects. Mrs. Osgood or Fannie is left to support her children and has to move in with the Bartlett’s so that she and the children will have a roof over their head. She is a poet herself and was known at the time for children’s books and her poetry. Striving to make a living in a man’s world, she is still a woman and considered property of her husband. She fights against her passion for Poe strongly, she wants him but she also must preserve her reputation and protect her children.Edgar Allen Poe is moody, romantic and despairing. His mother died when he was a toddler. His father abandoned him so he had to grow up with another family. He faces rejection from the family, the school and everywhere. He is poor. After he has written The Raven, though he is married, all the women are sighing for him. After reading about his childhood, it is so easy to see why he wrote the poetry and tales that he did. His wife, Virginia a first cousin child bride is sweet, intelligent and almost as mysterious as Poe. Her mother tends to her because she has tuberculosis.There is forbidden romance, mystery and sadness. This is a great story! I recommend it to all who are Poe fans and those who love historical fiction.
    • 3/5
      I am going to give a short review here because I do not feel anything extraordinary to really say that has not been said better by others. This was a book club pick and I borrowed an audio version from the library. I felt the book was very entertaining and I felt the character of Poe was not insulted as I had read on another reviewer sight. I actually liked him. I enjoyed listening about the literary scene of the time and the mention of other famous people. Stories like this help me enjoy delving into the past and learning what our world was like at the time. Please read the authors note at the end it was also very full of information.
    • 5/5
      I must admit to not knowing much about Edgar Allan Poe except for his reputation for writing the most macabre stories and poems. Mrs. Poe interested me as a novel for just that reason - I love to learn a bit as I'm entertained. I'll admit that I didn't learn an awful lot about Mr. Poe but I was highly entertained. Once I started reading I found it very hard to put the book down.Frances Osgood was a writer in of poetry and children's stories - the one we most know now is Puss in Boots - and was part of a very literary society in New York prior to the Civil War. Edgar Allan Poe had just made a sensation with The Raven. The two of them met and in the novel had quite an attraction for one another. In reality no one truly knows how far it went but they did write some very flirtatious poems back and forth to each other in Mr. Poe's literary journal that caused a sensation at the time.Mrs. Poe explores the what might have beens in the author's imagination and I found myself carried along by the possibilities and with the other fascinating character in the book - New York City. It plays as important a role as Edgar, his wife Virginia and Mrs. Osgood.There are many fascinating people of the period who make appearances in the book from Walt Whitman to Samuel Morse to Margaret Teller and it was fun to see who would show up next. The salons that the characters attended were great vehicles for the writers of the time to meet and discuss the problems of the day.Now, this is fiction and Ms. Cullen writes in her author's note that no one truly knows how any of this played out and there has been much fuss and bother in many review threads I have perused. But it's fiction. It's the author's imagination and I for one was quite pleased with the story I read and the way the characters handled themselves. It was a fascinating read.
    • 3/5
      Interesting take on the relationship between Fanny Osgood and Edgar Allen Poe First of all, this is a work of FICTION. Two poets from 1845 who meet and form a relationship. This book is about that relationship. Was it real? I know there was some kind of relationship, but was it platonic or not? No one really knows. I do admit, I like this version of Poe, quite different from how I imagine him to be. I wish more of Osgood's writings were included. I must admit, my only knowledge of her is what I've read in several bio's of Poe. I looked up several of her writings and enjoy her poetry.This book has a Gothic flare to it, readers will enjoy the darkness surrounding the characters. And boy are there characters! Everyone who was anyone in society in 1845 is named in this book in some capacity. A geat deal of 'name dropping' in this book. True lovers of Poe and/or Osgood may find something enjoyable in this novel. Personally, I found it a bit slow to begin, but the story quickly escalated and ended with a bang. It was definitely worth reading!
    • 4/5
      Title - Mrs. PoeAuthor - Lynn CullenGenre - HistoricalStory Summary - It is New York City, 1845, and poet Frances Osgood is struggling to feed her family and keep a roof over her head. Saved from life on the streets for herself and her children by a well to do friend, she is fighting to provide for her young family after her philandering husband has disappeared. But no one is looking for poetry. New York and the literary world is taken by a very different kind of poet. A very different kind of writer. Edgar Allan Poe. Unlike so many others, Poe is vastly different from the rest of the literary poets Frances knows and slowly they develop a friendship. Soon she is the only one who seems to know him and his young ill wife at all. A friendship that turns into something even more."...I peered ahead. My heart leaped as I caught sight of Mr. Poe, hatless among the river of black stovepipes. And then I saw his wife. They were promenading in our direction, along with Mrs. Clemm. "Why does he not stay at home?" said Reverend Griswold. "Does he not think of the health of his wife? She is obviously consumptive-I think he wishes to hasten her to her grave!" I felt a stab of guilt. Did her condition seem that severe? I recalled Mr. Bartlett's accusation that Mr. Poe's characters often murdered their wives..." As Frances and Poe carry on their affair, the ailing Mrs. Poe is far from weak as there seems to be far more to Mrs. Poe as meets the eye. Strange happenings carry on and there are fires and near accidents that happen only when she is there or has only just left. Strange portents of things that are yet to come."...Mr. Brady turned the plate to our group. On it was a perfect reproduction of my body standing before the curtain on the stage, with my dress flawless and my clenched hand lying upon the table. But where my head should have been was a blank. It was a portrait of a headless woman..." Frances begins to suspect that Mrs. Poe is behind the dangerous accidents or should she listen to others and believe that it may be Edgar Allan Poe himself.Review - Sometime back I had read and loved Lynn Cullen's book: Reign of Madness. So I came into the reading of Mrs. Poe with some pre-conceived standards for the writing. Cullen did not disappoint, the prose and skill with which she handles the tale of Poe and Osgood is detailed and forlorn as a love that cannot be. As a married woman of the time, Osgood could not divorce her husband and for all intents and purposes, was still his property. There could be no future for her and Poe. Then there was always the ever present spectre of Mrs. Poe. Dying and weak yet as terrifying in her sweet innocence and anyone could be. Soon, Osgood must come to a decision for herself and her children. Mrs. Poe is very well written and detailed. The New York and Boston of the 1800s is as much a character in this novel as the protagonists themselves. A very good read.