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A review by bobsacoolword
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'll be honest-- I had no idea who Marjorie Post was or the legacy of her family before I read this book. I've never been big on historical fiction either so I went in worried I wouldn't enjoy this one. I am so glad I was wrong! Marjorie Post's story was absolutely fascinating and now I want to read her ex-husband's book just to learn even more about her story.
If you're not familiar with her story (as I'm sure most people aren't), Marjorie Post was the heiress to the Postum Cereal Company (now General Foods) after her father started the company. Her life at the Postum Cereal Company is absolutely fascinating--you learn about how her father becomes inspired to create simple breakfast solutions that are healthy and taste great while under the care of Dr. Kellogg (yes, there is a connection to a certain competing cereal company). Marjorie grows up watching her father's company quickly find success and after his death, she assumes control of it through the men in her life. I'm sure an entire novel could be written just about the ideas and innovations she helped push for, but Allison Pataki blessed us with so much more: her philanthropy efforts (a highlight: she "loaned" a very expensive ship to the US during a World War), her service to the United States government (for example, she was the first U.S. Ambassadress to the Soviet Nation), and several cycles of romance and heartbreak in the form of her former marriages.
When I finished this one, I had to stop reading for a bit because I knew it would be hard for the next one to top it. I definitely recommend it now.
If you're not familiar with her story (as I'm sure most people aren't), Marjorie Post was the heiress to the Postum Cereal Company (now General Foods) after her father started the company. Her life at the Postum Cereal Company is absolutely fascinating--you learn about how her father becomes inspired to create simple breakfast solutions that are healthy and taste great while under the care of Dr. Kellogg (yes, there is a connection to a certain competing cereal company). Marjorie grows up watching her father's company quickly find success and after his death, she assumes control of it through the men in her life. I'm sure an entire novel could be written just about the ideas and innovations she helped push for, but Allison Pataki blessed us with so much more: her philanthropy efforts (a highlight: she "loaned" a very expensive ship to the US during a World War), her service to the United States government (for example, she was the first U.S. Ambassadress to the Soviet Nation), and several cycles of romance and heartbreak in the form of her former marriages.
When I finished this one, I had to stop reading for a bit because I knew it would be hard for the next one to top it. I definitely recommend it now.