Nothing about the grandiosity with which Marjorie traveled, entertained, dressed, or lived had to be embellished for this novel. In fact, I had to leave details out. Some of her precious stones were in fact the size of pieces of fruit. And yes, she did own those fabulous pieces of art, jewelry, and dishware that had belonged to the likes of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia and Napoleon, emperor of France.
And the same goes for the extent of her philanthropy and generosity. Nothing that I describe in this novel, from the Great Depression to Marjorie’s wartime efforts to her gifts to schools, hospitals, students, or other individuals, was embellished. In fact there were many acts of largesse both grand and quiet that I had to leave out for the sake of writing a book under a thousand pages. And because Marjorie did so much of her good anonymously and without seeking credit, I’m sure there are lists of good works about which we may never hear.
The life story of Marjorie Merriweather Post reads like the stuff of legend—and I believe it was indeed the stuff of legend. But, more than that, I don’t know that I’ve ever written about a woman whom I’ve admired and, well, liked, as much. Marjorie loved beauty, and she was the first to admit that she had been blessed with many beautiful things over the course of a very privileged life, but it was in how she used her wealth and privilege to make this world more beautiful for others that I found her so particularly compelling. Marjorie was honored by the United States Congress as an individual who “derived particular joy out of her ability to give happiness to others.” And she said, “My wealth would have been a burden on my soul if I did not find ways to share it with others.” That says so much, and so I’ll leave the final words on the topic to her.
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to the many partners who have worked tirelessly to make this book a reality. My profound thanks especially to Lacy Lynch, an incomparable literary agent and friend, and to Dabney Rice, Jan Miller, and the entire team at Dupree Miller.
To my editor Kara Cesare, how truly magnificent to work with you on another book, thank you for everything. And to the entire team at Ballantine and Random House, with special thanks to Kim Hovey, Jesse Shuman, Loren Noveck and your assiduous copyediting team, Taylor Noel, Debbie Aroff, Michelle Jasmine, Kara Welsh, Jennifer Hershey, Susan Corcoran, Virginia Norey, Paolo Pepe and the art department, and Gina Centrello, it is my privilege to work with you all.
Words do not suffice to properly thank my family and my friends. My parents, my siblings, my in-laws, nieces and nephews, girlfriends: I love you and I appreciate you more than I can ever say. Erin Levy, you are a truly beautiful individual in every way. To the book reviewers, bloggers, influencers, and the amazing community of writers and readers whom I feel so fortunate to call my friends: thank you for making this solitary job feel so communal, full, and supportive. Early readers who slogged through drafts, and you, the reader who is now holding this book in your hands: thank you for joining me on this journey. And finally, my love and thanks to my children and my husband, Dave, who are writing my favorite story each day.
Further suggested reading:
Nancy Rubin Stuart, American Empress: The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Post
Estella M. Chung, Marjorie Merriweather Post: The Life Behind the Luxury
Estella M. Chung, Living Artfully: At Home with Marjorie Merriweather Post
Nettie Leitch Major, C. W. Post, the Hour and the Man
Joseph E. Davies, Mission to Moscow
Mark Kurlansky, Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man
Harvey Kaiser, Great Camps of the Adirondacks