Mrs. Poe

It was an interesting read- learned a lot about the development of American language slang and The American literary scene. Also going to read up a little on Edgar Allan Poe- I have a new perspective on him.

Though I was looking forward to reading this (and loved the book cover) for book club, I now wonder what there is to discuss. It was an extremely slow read, not very exciting, Frances was portrayed as a love sick teenager, Mrs. Poe as a child-like psycho, and Poe as a very uninteresting whimp who seemed to creep up out of no where whenever Frances was there. I had gone into this read thinking it was historical fiction, which I love. Finding out that it was fiction was a disappointment but given that fact, it felt a little more justifiable giving a 3 rating. If it had been historical fiction it would have dropped to a 2 star rating. Fiction allows liberties and even though it was slow and dragged and I got sick of Frances nearly faintinig with heart palpitations every time Poe was in the vicinity, I finished it but would not recommend it. The writing itself was good, but the story was pathetic. All in all a disappointment but I still loved the book cover.

Loved this book!! The writing was excellent and kept you interested through the entire book.. Fascinating to read about Poe's life and also the tidbits about other famous writers personalities. I would recommend this book without reservation.

The story of Mrs. Poe gives the reader such interesting insights of many "soon to be famous" characters in addition to the Poe family. Within its historical boundaries, the reader is introduced to the beginnings of many, now famous locations such as Central Park. It is an intriguing story of the Poe family and the society around them.

Mrs. Po was very well written. The fictional take on a known relationship was interesting and a good read. I also enjoyed the historical references to people, places and events. I kept a map of Manhattan next to me as I read so I could locate areas being described.

This book was recommended to me by a coworker who toted it as a mystery, and... I wasn't all that impressed with it. For one thing, it wasn't a mystery in the least; there was a bit of a twist at the end but no buildup to it, no tension. And for another, not much happened. It never felt to me like a real *story* was present. Thinking back, in all 300+ pages I only recall about... five events from the book? The rest was just historical references and exposition. At least that's all I remember. I gave it three stars for the writing style. I do think it captured the time period very well; it felt very authentic. I also appreciate that the author did extensive research for the book. That always earns my respect.

Very informative historical detail for the times. Somewhat stuffy dialog, but considering the era, totally appropriate. Written well. Somewhat repetitive settings could have been omitted. A pleasant read but not exciting.

I read it. Not awful. Not great.

I love historical fiction. I'm particularly a fan of Philippa Gregory, because she weaves her stories around an accurate, historic framework, so that you are motivated to learn history whilst you're being drawn in by the story.

I didn't feel that with this particular work of historical fiction at all. It seemed way too much about Victorian angst, and was loaded with frilly descriptiions of breathless, romantic meaning-filled "encounters" and left so many questions unanswered. The author's treatment of Mrs. Poe lead you to believe she was an oblivious simpleton one minute, yet she was sinister and calculating the very next.

This was a little too "Harlequin Romance Novel" for my taste.

I purchased 'Mrs. Poe' expecting to learn about the unknown wife of Edgar Allan Poe. What a genuine surprise to not only hear her story, but of the strained relationship between the mysterious Poe, his wife, and others in his life. 'THE Raven' and 'The Cask of Amontillado' have been my favorites for years, but my knowledge of the writer was lacking. Cullen dug deep into his life, pass the alcoholism, and brilliantly tell of the troubled world he grew up in, and how it influence his life. I love Cullen's writing style, her storytelling expertise. A wonderful read!

I actually was never very fond of Edgar Allen Poe or his poetry but after reading Lynn Cullen's outstanding book, I am now quite sympathetic towards Mr. Poe. Ms. Cullen brings to life a very different man from the one described by the jealous Rufus Griswold. I loved reading about the relationships of E. A. Poe, his young, sickly wife, Virginia and his lover, Frances Osgood. The descriptive details of life in 1840's New York City makes one feel as if they are actually there with Edgar, Virginia, Frances and many other well-known personalities of that time. A slightly dark, almost gothic, romance novel, one I highly recommend.

A new view of Poe and his most unusual relationships which I found very interesting . I did not like the ending. I felt the author brought everything to quick closure by telling of the deaths of most characters.

Who is Edgar Allen Poe? This spellbinding novel sees him through the eyes of the struggling poet Fanny Osgood whose husband has deserted her and who begins to love Poe in spite of his uneasy marriage to his much younger and sickly cousin. As Edgar returns Fanny's love, neither of them will heed the danger growing about them.

Great read - Poe was interesting enough, but the whole mid-nineteenth century New York scene was crazy... Author drew me in - I enjoyed reading about this time in history, but glad I did not have to live it!