REVIEW:

Landscape of a Marriage by Gail Ward Olmsted was by far one of the most interesting books I’ve read in quite a while. I think I learned something about a subject I didn’t really think too much about. I love to read a book that is interesting and fun and teaches me something I didn’t know before. In this case, I learned about Frederick Law Olmsted who designed and built Central Park in New York City.

Landscape of a Marriage was actually the story of his life with his wife Mary. Mary was married to his brother John Hull Olmsted first but he died about six years into their marriage leaving her with three small children. Fred was devastated over the loss of his brother and after spending time with Mary and her children asked her to marry him. Although he asked her to marry out of obligation, they both fell deeply in love. They had two more children of their own.

Fred did many things in his early life to earn a living. He was a smart man. After a while and with the encouragement of Mary he pursued his love of Landscaping. He did many public parks in the United States. I was fascinated with all the places he designed and all of the work he did. 

I totally enjoyed the time I spent with this book. The research that went into its pages was above and beyond. If you haven’t guessed, Gail Ward Olmsted is married to a distant relative of Fred Olmsted. How fun is that? It made Landscape of a Marriage more interesting and fun to read. 

If you are like me and love to learn more about history in a fun and interesting way, then this is a book that should be on your radar. I love Historical Fiction! Don’t you? Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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SYNOPSIS:

“Landscape of a Marriage is a historical fiction masterpiece. Mary and Fred’s relationship is wonderfully depicted and the history that is woven into this book is done so intricately and commendably.” –Ellie Yarde, reviewer for the award-winning Coffee Pot Book Club

A marriage of convenience leads to a life of passion and purpose. A shared vision transforms the American landscape forever.

New York, 1858: Mary, a young widow with three children, agrees to marry her brother-in-law Frederick Law Olmsted, who is acting on his late brother’s deathbed plea to “not let Mary suffer.” But she craves more than a marriage of convenience and sets out to win her husband’s love. Beginning with Central Park in New York City, Mary joins Fred on his quest to create a ‘beating green heart’ in the center of every urban space.

Over the next 40 years, Fred is inspired to create dozens of city parks, private estates and public spaces with Mary at his side. Based upon real people and true events, this is the story of Mary’s journey and personal growth and the challenges inherent in loving a brilliant and ambitious man.