Finding Margaret Fuller

A Novel

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

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

“Soul-stirring . . . brings to life the epic and inspiring story of an incredible woman who should never be forgotten.”—Kristin Harmel, author of The Paris Daughter

In the company of Ralph Waldo Emerson and his circle of enlightened friends, the young, beautiful, and brilliant Margaret Fuller becomes “the radiant genius and fiery heart” of the Transcendentalists. She inspires Louisa May Alcott, sparks Nathaniel Hawthorne to create Hester Prynne, and forms close bonds with Henry David Thoreau and Emerson himself. However, Margaret’s soul yearns for more than poetry and drama, leading her on a journey of adventure and self-discovery.

From hosting a women-only literary salon in Boston to becoming the first woman permitted entry to Harvard’s library, Margaret defies societal conventions as an activist for women’s rights and a champion for humanity. On the gritty New York streets, she spars with Edgar Allan Poe and reports on the work of Frederick Douglass. And when offered an assignment in Europe by editor Horace Greeley, Margaret becomes the first female foreign news correspondent, mingling with the likes of Frédéric Chopin, William Wordsworth, and George Sand. In Rome, she embarks on a passionate love affair with a Roman count, causing an international scandal. As a mother and a countess, Margaret enters a new fight for Italy’s unification.

With a star-studded cast and an epic sweep of historical events, this is a story of an inspiring trailblazer, a woman who loved big and lived even bigger—a fierce adventurer who transcended the rigid roles ascribed to women and changed history for millions, all on her own terms.

©2024 Allison Pataki (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Nobody does historical fiction quite like Allison Pataki. . . . Part of the joy in reading [her] books is you learn from them while being caught up in the sweeping action, and this latest is no exception.”—Town & Country

“[A] bold, brilliant woman . . . She changed the course of history—and now here’s hers, which you won’t believe you didn’t already know.”—Good Morning America

“What a woman! What a story! Whether exploring Margaret’s remarkable friendships or delving into her crucial legacy as a journalist, writer, and feminist, Finding Margaret Fuller promises to transform every reader it touches—much like Margaret Fuller herself.”—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Personal Librarian

A remarkable woman

I enjoyed finding out about the intimate lives of so many important literary figures. The narration brought the story alive and allowed the listener to visualize Concord, Rome, Tuscany and New York.

A must read!

Who was Margaret Fuller? As a retired English and history teacher, I have to admit I had never heard of her hence the book is a “must read “. The narrator does a marvelous job of portraying each character especially when there are foreign languages being spoken. The story moves along with its compelling language.

I must’ve missed this group of thinkers in high school being friends

Simply enthralled with the ties of these genuses! Again sick of all historical fiction books about the two world wars! A refreshing different time in our history!

What a surprise !

Once I found out who Margaret Fuller was, I wanted to know all about the girl who wanted more than a provincial life! This is such an important story that I want my children and grandchildren to be apprised of this most intelligent and well read woman in America before the 20th century!!

Nailed It Again

Allison Pataki continues to be one of my favorite authors of all time. I loved learning about Margaret's life and the trail she blazed for women. It was bizarre in the best way to be immersed within a world of characters whose names I've heard my whole life, let alone interacting with one another. Your biggest fan you've never heard of, Kayleigh

Her role in the Woman’s movement

The story was fascinating. Her life was amazing. The writer captured the flavor of the areas she lived in

Storyline

The storyline is compelling with the cast of characters. I did not know anything about her and now am reading some of her original writings.

Grateful

What a remarkable story of a woman with courage, and true grit. Sadly, women today are still fighting. We need more Margaret Fullers.!!!! And eternal thanks thanks Allison Pataki for and Barrie Keinik your research. We need more stories like these.

Amazing Margret Fuller

I was really enthralled with Margaret's story abd her life. This novel on her life is a real tribute to her...

Margaret Fuller, how did we not know you?

Thank you for this reading. I enjoyed it all. This novel will stay with me.