What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age by Renee Rosen
Reviewed By: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Suggested Age: Adult
What is this book about: On the night of the Great Chicago Fire, October 8, 1871, seventeen year old Delia Spencer, daughter of Franklin F. Spencer of Hibbard & Spencer, meets Marshall Field, famous Chicago department store mogul. He is twice her age. They are introduced to one another at a party celebrating the grand opening of the Palmer House Hotel, and Marshall is immediately smitten with Delia. When the fire grows close to where they are, he grabs Delia’s hand and helps her to evacuate. This is the start of a romantic relationship that lasts more than thirty years.
Marshall Field, called Marsh by his friends, is an unhappily married man. Delia is married to her wealthy best friend Arthur Caton, son of a powerful Chicago judge. Their marriage, however, is a sham as Arthur is portrayed as a homosexual who is in love with his best friend Paxton Lowry. Throughout the story, Delia tends to her obligations as a member of high society. She and Marsh also have an extra-marrital affair, which Arthur is okay with, but which causes Delia to be ostracized by friends and family. Regardless of this, Delia stands by Marsh through good times and bad times while he builds his famous department store empire which is traditionally known for giving a lady what she wants.
My Review: I really enjoyed reading this novel because I was a child who grew up near Chicago. My family and I visited the Marshall Field’s on State Street during Christmas time so we could see the decorated windows, shop in the store, and drink hot cocoa in the Walnut Room. Marshall Field’s is a Chicago icon and it was interesting to read about the man (and woman) behind the business. Much of the plot is based on historical fact; however, the author notes that some of the secondary characters are not real. Regardless, this novel celebrates Marshall Field and his contributions to the great city of Chicago. I highly recommend it.
Three Words that Describe This Book: romantic, interesting, dramatic
Give this a Try if You Like: Marshall Field’s: The Store That Helped Build Chicago by Gayle Soucek or Remembering Marshall Field’s by Leslie Goddard
Rating: 5/5
