Edger Allen Poe is all the rage in NYC. He published "The Raven" and everyone wants to meet him. Frances Osgood is estranged from her husband. While he goes off to paint(and do other things) she is left with their daughters. Frances struggles to earn an income. She has written a few poems but they are not bringing in enough money. During a meeting she is introduced to Poe. At first she believes he can help her writing career, but soon Frances is emerged in a love affair with Poe while she becomes friends/acquaintances with Poe's childlike wife, Virginia.
Every literary superstar you can think of makes an appearance. Even Dickens is in the book, although he is only mentioned; however the name dropping is one of the book's biggest flaws. There are too many famous people that it almost becomes suffocating. Besides writers Samuel Morse and Sylvester Graham are also added to the mix. These characters are flat too. I almost choked on my sandwich when I read that Louisa May Alcott had eyes as dreamy as a calf when talking to Poe. Yeah, okay. I cannot see Alcott being dreamy over Poe. Starstruck? I find that hard to believe too but I digress. It's just another example of a famous person showing up in this book.
I don't care if Fanny and Poe had an affair, good for them. The dumb part is
A lukewarm read. I think the author could have done more, personally. However, I assume this will get great reviews.