After loving Alison Pataki’s novel about Marjorie Merriweather Post, I was eager to read her next offering. Finding Margaret Fuller gave me insight into a woman I had never heard of before. (Apologies). Having read this book, I now want to read her works and a biography. She was truly a creative mind. This story is ripe with other literary legends: Emerson, Poe, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Alcott, Browning. It reminded me of a precursor to Dorothy Parker’s round table. I could picture the Hawthornes rushing down Connecticut Turnpike to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s house. A wonderful story about an amazing author!

Finding Margaret Fuller, by Allison Pataki.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This memoir-as-novel, written in the voice of Margaret Fuller, introduces us to the fascinating 19th-century woman whose words and actions shaped the early women’s movement in America.

As a writer, editor, journalist and speaker, Margaret Fuller was prized by her peers, both male and female. Her “conversations” in the late 1830’s were a coveted series of discussions with groups of women aimed at opening their minds to more unconventional ways of thinking and sharing their own insights and opinions. Her travels from her native New England to the Midwest and then to Europe, brought to the public stories of ordinary lives in a time of rapid growth, change, and reform. She was one of the founders of the Transcendentalist Movement, and wrote of her ponderings on what comes from human nature and what from society, and how individuals could find their full potential.

Her untimely death – with which this book begins – only heightened her mystique, as friends mourned her and searched for her last manuscript, a description of the Roman Revolution of 1849, which she believed to be the best work she had done.

Allison Pataki is a skilled and experienced novelist whose subjects are both real and fictional women from the past. Her writing is vivid and engaging. She grounds Margaret’s life in the reality of being a single woman, responsible for supporting herself, her mother, and siblings at a time when this was rare and difficult. However, I found off-putting her injection of romance into the story, especially at the beginning – much about Ralph Waldo Emerson’s blue-grey eyes and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s bright green ones – and the suggestions of emotional and sexual tension between Margaret and these and other men. Despite this, Ms. Pataki leads us to an exceptional but lesser-known woman, and one that I now will want to read about in non-fiction.

A woman ahead of her time, Margaret Fuller’s association with Ralph Waldo Emerson was the first step along her journey as a woman of letters. She was surrounded by a cadre of the most well respected persons of literary prowess. Ere long, she would share tea with Nathaniel Hawthorne, share deep thoughts with Henry David Thoreau and dine with the family Alcott. A dedicated transcendental devotee, as were her peers, Ms. Fuller often sought their company and guidance. Her desire for learning and grand adventures led her into the company of Edgar Allan Poe and other scions of NYC culture. Ultimately, Margaret finds herself surrounded by the cream of the European socialites. She rubbed elbows with a who’s who of letters, music and royalty. Margaret Fuller more than found her true self in soirées and salons, she became an enlightened member of the highest eschelon of learned society.

I loved this historical fictional novel about the too-short life of Margaret Fuller. I had never really heard of her before and I was happy to learn about this lost-in-history heroine who paved the way for generations to come. Highly recommend for lovers of books like the Personal Librarian. It’s a fun way to bring “herstory” to life.

Finding Margaret Fuller
by Allison Pataki
March 19. 2024
Random House
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
A “sweeping” (Entertainment Weekly) novel of America’s forgotten leading lady, the central figure of a movement that defined a nation—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
I had never heard of this remarkable woman and I really wanted to like it based on the cover and description alone. However, I found it long winded and slightly self absorbed even if she was a fascinating woman it just wasn't an enjoyable read for me.
3 stars

Thank you to the author, the publisher and the author for this advanced reader copy. I wanted to love this book for the cover art alone. Alas, it wasn’t for me. This soon to be released piece of historical fiction starts in 1836 Massachusetts. Margaret Fuller is not like most of the other women of her day. She is referred to as the most well-read person in America. She’s very well-educated, and she can’t be bothered with trivial matters like marriage, a home and children. She’s a frequent visitor to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s home and she is known to be his muse. She has lofty discussions with Hawthorne and Thoreau. She meets and befriends young Louisa May Alcott. She is the heart and mind of the Transcendentalist movement. She eventually moves on to being a journalist and an author. She is sent overseas and becomes the first female foreign correspondent. There in Italy Margaret falls in love and has a baby. I found the last part of the novel the most interesting as Margaret is in Rome during a revolution. Impressive woman, however I found her character to be self-absorbed. I had never heard of Margaret Fuller, and it certainly was an interesting read. But eh. Long winded.

A gorgeous count of historical fiction narrating the remarkable accomplishments of Margaret Fuller. Going into this book, I can honestly say I have never heard of Margaret Fuller. Have you? However, you, like myself, have probably heard the names Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Walt Whitman, and William Wordsworth quite frequently. So how is Margaret Fuller intertwined with those greats? Fuller was a teacher, an author, an editor, an advocate for feminism, and an overall legacy. For 19th-century history lovers, this is a MUST READ! Her life and impact on history as we know it is quite remarkable. The author´s note is not to be missed!
Read this if you enjoy:
Historical fiction
Strong female protagonist
Transcendental time frame
Women ahead of her times
An absolute five-star read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Allison Pataki

First, THANK YOU to NetGalley, Ballentine Books and one of my favorite authors…Allison Pataki.

Once again, this author has opened my eyes to a person I had no idea about! Margaret Fuller, a woman who set the world on fire for women.

“A woman is a human, and as such, has a right to know her own worth, to pursue self-realization and satisfying work, same as any man.”

Margaret Fuller was a writer, and woman, ahead of her time. She and her friends (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorn and Bronson Alcott) were part of the Transcendental movement. They started a newspaper called, ‘The Dial’, that supported, even fostered, the free expression of thoughts and ideas. Margaret also started to host conversation parties with women so they could speak unencumbered.
“As women, we should feel comfortable expressing ourselves, even disagreeing with others. We are entitled, each one of us, to our own thoughts and opinions.”
Margaret was the first woman that was allowed to study in Harvard’s library. She was also the first woman publisher for, The New York Tribune…all of this was done back in the late 1800’s!! (And yet, I knew nothing of Margaret Fuller until this book!!)

When Margaret’s boss (Horace Greeley) sends her overseas to Europe, she becomes the first female correspondent, making history and mingling with more like-minded people (Frederic Chopin, George Sand and more). It is in Rome, though, where Margaret finds her passion. She falls in love with and takes as her lover Marchese Giovanni Angelo Ossoli. At 37, she becomes a mother and countess. However, her passion and fight for Italy’s unification, becomes the backdrop for the novel she feels America needs to read.

“I know this work is important, not just for me, and not just to honor the Romans. This work is important for American’s. For all FREEDOM loving people to see how Roman’s fought. To see that FREEDOM is something we ought NEVER TO TAKE FOR GRANTED.”

I love historical fiction! I love learning about people and places I know nothing about. This story comes at a time where women need hope, strength and courage! This book was a testament to the women who fought for our freedoms, and to keep up the fight.

Fantastic Read!!!!

Finding Margaret Fuller vividly brings to life the extraordinary journey of Margaret Fuller, a pioneering woman who relentlessly championed women’s rights and broader humanitarian causes. Her story, set against the backdrop of her remarkable achievements as a writer, unfolds with engaging first-person narration that captures Fuller’s spirited and trailblazing character.

The narrative begins in 1836 in Concord, Massachusetts, where Fuller receives an invitation from Ralph Waldo Emerson to visit him and his family at his Bush estate. Emerson, a profound thinker and staunch supporter of writers, shares enriching conversations with Fuller during their afternoon walks, discussing his essays and her insightful responses. Departing from this idyllic setting leaves Fuller reluctant to leave.

In Boston, Fuller takes a tutoring job to support her mother financially. Despite the loneliness of her single room in the bustling city, her life brightens when Bronson Alcott visits and offers her a position at his prestigious Temple School. However, Fuller grapples with whether teaching is her true calling, as it seems to drain her energy, conflicting with her passion for writing and thinking. Moreover, she faces societal judgment for choosing personal freedom over traditional commitments to marriage, a household, and children.

Determined to follow her own path, Fuller creates a women-only literary salon, and becomes an editor at The Dial magazine, followed by the New York Tribune. Her studies at the Harvard library mark her as the first woman to breach its walls, challenging societal norms with her written words. Fuller’s fight for women’s rights, the emancipation of slaves, and fair treatment of laborers exemplifies her defiance of the conventions of her time.

Fuller’s adventures continue as she becomes the first female foreign news correspondent. Her travels take her to France, where she mingles with luminaries like Frederic Chopin and George Sand, and to Rome, where she falls in love with a count.

The narrative’s first-person perspective lends authenticity and depth to Fuller’s voice, making her story not only believable but also deeply inspiring. Her commitment to following her heart and advocating for what she believes is right for humanity shines through. Against all societal constraints, she redefines the roles traditionally assigned to women, emerging as an enthralling figure surrounded by distinguished contemporaries.

The book’s prose is eloquently smooth, with seamlessly woven dialogue that propels the story forward. This masterful storytelling makes Finding Margaret Fuller a captivating and enriching read, paying homage to a woman whose life and work left an indelible mark on history.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

This was an excellent book.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this book, as I wasn't familiar with Margaret Fuller. This book was a great introduction. Within the context of historical fiction, it was a great telling of a story. I appreciate the authors notes where she notes where pieces of the story deviate from what happened, but all in all, Pataki followed pretty closely the life of Margaret Fuller.

It is amazing to think of the many recognizable people she called friends throughout her life, and the many adventures and experiences she had along the way. She was an education, writer, thinker, reporter, and more. Considering the time in which she lived, this is quite an accomplishment. And Pataki does a wonderful job of capturing the story.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and I'm very glad I read it.

unfortunately, I was not vibing with this one and I had to DNF. The plot seemed so promising but it fell short.
I just dont think this book was for me.

I will recommend this book to the right audience.

What an amazing life Ms. Fuller lived. This fictional account of her life’s work is magical in not only the beautiful prose and descriptions of Cambridge, New York, Boston and ultimately Italy in the mid-1800’s, but in how Pataki tells Fuller’s impact on women’s rights. Fuller had an incredible broad of talented thinkers and writers among her inner most circle and they were no doubt catalysts for each other’s developing brilliance. We learn how her friendships develop with Hawthorne, Emerson, Alcott, and Thoreau, but ultimately we see how she prepared the foundation for the suffrage movement.

Although this book starts a bit slow, I found the writing so beautiful it was impossible to put down. It picks up to a fast pace halfway through just like her growing courage to take bigger and bigger risks in those oppressive times.

Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballentine for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #FindingMargaretFuller

Margaret Fuller was a woman ahead of her time being one of the founders of the woman’s movement. She was an important figure in our literary history of the 19th century but not well known to most. Working and associating with many of the greats such as Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathanial Hawthorne and others but never getting her equal compensation while publishing articles. The strides she made for women throughout her lifetime are detailed through her travels as she becomes a wife and mother while facing many hardships. I applaud all the research that the put into this novel. #FindingMargaretFuller #AllisonPataki #NetGalley

I received this as a digital ARC from NetGalley.

I am definitely the audience for any and all historical fiction written about Transcendentalists but eve still I really enjoyed this book. Margaret Fuller had a fascinating life and that doesn't even include all the 19th century greats that she interacted with!

Highly recommended for lovers of: 19th century writers, Transcendentalism, early feminism, and New England history.

Also as always loved that the author took every chance they had to trash Bronson Alcott.

Margaret Fuller, an instrumental figure in Transcendental American literature, is recognized by few compared to the male writers of this movement. Allison Pataki has provided an opportunity to meet this progressive thinker who becomes a proponent of women’s rights through her lectures and writing. Despite being judged as controversial and unstable, she impresses Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne and Alcott yet not enough to receive payment for her work for them. Time and again she defers to these men. It is, however, newspaper publisher Horace Greeley who hires her as a journalist, the first female writer for his newspaper, and encourages her to express her opinions and share her experiences when he arranges passage to Europe where she works as a tutor and reports her perspective of Europe. When she reaches Italy, she meets a man who falls in love with her. Even then she worries about the reactions of her Massachusetts “heroes” to this commoner, an Italian soldier. Margaret played an integral role in advancing women’ s causes and rights. This novel has made public her contributions to American history.

Another wonderful book from Allison Pataki. I’ve enjoyed her previous books so much. Margaret Fuller was certainly a woman ahead of her time, living a courageous and fulfilling life. I appreciate all the research done to properly portray her story. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I love Alison Pataki's writing. She always finds such interesting figures to explore. I had no idea who Margaret Fuller was, but now I do. I think the connections with many very famous other writers was so well told. Can't wait to discuss this book with others. I don't think many of us even know the name of Margaret Fuller.

Margaret Fuller was a woman ahead of her time. A woman not only incredibly intelligent but a woman given the gift of writing and an activist as well. Pataki brought Fuller to life and paid homage as she so deserved. The writing is superb adding to Fuller's vision and her experiences through her short-lived life. Highly recommend.

Allison Pataki is the perfect author to so superbly capture a re-imagining of Margaret Fuller’s life in this excellent historical fiction story. Her research and visits to the scenes combine for a well-developed, beautifully written novel about this little known heroine. Glad for a rainy day as I devoured this wonderful drama in one long sitting.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC.

How sad that such an extraordinary women could be lost in history while her friends and peers hold such an esteemed position in American culture. It seems that without Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne would have never penned his great novel and Ralph Waldo Emerson would be lost without his muse.
And Margaret Fuller went on to so much more. Her ideals and beliefs regarding women and equality were groundbreaking. If her life hadn’t been taken so tragically, she would have been at the forefront of the American Women’s Suffragette movement alongside Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
I loved reading about her life and that of her friends. Little Women has been a favorite of mine for many years and I especially enjoyed reading about Louisa May Alcott’s early life.
My only critique would be to have considered editing it down a little more. There was a degree of repetition of thought which I took to skipping past.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.