I was thrilled to be able to read an ARC of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki, thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group. As a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, I lived in Post Addition and attended Post Elementary as a child, and I was excited to read a book that told about the cereal giant's daughter's life. Growing up in the Cereal City, I was very familiar with the story of the rival Kellogg cereal company, but much less aware of C.W. Post and his daughter. The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post has ignited a fire to learn much more about this fascinating woman's life and works.

Allison Pataki's well-researched novel tells the story of Marjorie Merriweather Post, her 4 marriages, her involvement in the rise of the General Foods corporation at a time when she was not allowed to have a 'seat at the table' because of her gender, as well as the philanthropy her incredible wealth allowed. The story is definitely a page-turner, fascinating and informative. Marjorie Post was a generous and brilliant woman, and her story is a great read.

This book takes you on the fascinating journey through Marjorie Merriweather Post’s life; from cereal heiress to philanthropist to diplomat.

This is a well researched book that explores her life in such an engaging way. I followed along through the highs of new love and the lows of her divorces. For such an accomplished woman who was blessed in many aspects of her life, she sure had difficulty finding love. While she loved to wear her jewels and spend money on expensive homes, yachts, etc., she also shared her wealth with others in many ways.

I recommend this book to historical fiction fans as well as readers who enjoy reading about American icons.

I enjoyed the author’s writing and will be looking for more of her books to read!

I received an advance digital copy of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

What a complete vantage point Allison Pataki affords us to Marjorie Merriweather Post‘s most incredible life of triumph and achievement accompanied by misfortune and tribulation beginning in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1891.

While I had a bit of knowledge about Post Cereal, General Mills, Birds Eye frozen foods, and the city of Post, Texas, I did not know of the wealth, determination, philanthropy, and humanitarian efforts of the heir to this empire.

Pataki weaves well researched details of Marjorie’s childhood in Battle Creek, her four marriages, her associations with the Astors, the Vanderbilts, and multiple U.S. Presidents, her involvement in Spanish Flu relief efforts, the Red Cross, immigrant aid societies, and Women’s Suffrage with her efforts to lead the company she had solely inherited at a time when women’s capabilities where not valued.

Thank you again Allison Pataki for your research, insight, and ability to combine the many facets of Marjorie’s life to create this very eventful historical fiction offering.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I knew nothing about Majorie Post and by the end I was fascinated and want to read more about her. I'm waiting for the weather to get nicer so I can go to Hillwood Estate in DC to continue to learn more about this absolutely incredible woman.

I don't even know how to describe this book about the American heiress, businesswoman and philanthropist. I loved the linear approach from her childhood and helping her father glue cereal boxes for Grape Nuts and watching her grow into the socialite business woman she became, each of her marriages and her determination to grow and understand the business even when she was the wealthiest woman in America, her 4 marriages and time she spent as the Ambassadors wife in Russia in the 1930s, building Mar-A-Lago and her other beautiful houses, I want to know why more people aren't talking about her??

If you're looking for a fascinating historical fiction that makes you keep googling because you think this can't all really be the truth about a powerful woman who shaped the food industry in America in the 20th century I can't recommned this book enough. I keep finding ways to mention Marjorie Post since I've read this book.

What a life Marjorie Post lived. Family, fame, love and heartache. We see the life of Miss Post from childhood until the end. A very interesting life, indeed! I learned so much in this novel and loved the flow of the story.
Thank you NetGalley!
I will post to all major sites/indie sites on day of publication.

This book was a true gem. Of course, I knew of Post Cereal. But I didn't know the story of C.W. Post or of Marjorie. But she was magnificent to be sure.

Do you know anything about Marjorie Merriweather Post? I didn't, but I do now! What a fascinating story! What a fascinating woman!

Marjorie mainly grows up in Battle Creek, Michigan. They move there due to her father's illness and he finds himself under the care of Dr. Kellogg (yes, you know that name too!). Part of the treatment is some serious blah breakfast food. C.W. Post decides he can do better and sets out to make convenient, better tasting foods. And there you have it - cereal! Marjorie enjoys learning the family business by her dad's side from the time she's a little girl.

Marjorie's adult life is amazing - beautiful homes, yachts, travels, befriending many influential people, including several presidents, and her beautiful children. Marjorie is a successful woman.
Her love life, on the other hand, never seems to quite what she anticipated them to be, proving money can't buy everything.

Excellent history fiction and Pataki seems to have really done her research on this one. Definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Allison Pataki and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for an advance copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki

9780593355688

381 Pages
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballatine
Release Date: February 15, 2022

Fiction, Historical Fiction

Everyone has heard of Mar-A-Lago in Florida and some have heard of Merriweather Post pavilion in Maryland. Not everyone realizes that both of these properties were associated with Marjorie Merriweather Post. She was raised in Battle Creek Michigan to the cereal giant, C. W. Post.

When Marjorie was 16 she met her first husband, Edward Close. They were married young and had two children. Her father gave her the Boulders estate to run. He told her she was responsible for the budget, staff, charitable donations and savings. He was annoyed when he discovered she was off by $.05. She then married her second husband, E.F. Hutton and they had a daughter, actress Dina Merrill. She and her third husband, Joe Davies, lived in Russia for two years while he was the ambassador. He developed intestinal cancer but later recovered with treatment. They divorced after he became emotionally cruel not only to her but the staff as well. She divorced her fourth husband, Herb May, after indiscreet photos were delivered to her.

Mrs. Post was a philanthropist and donated her yacht, Sea Cloud, to the Navy during WWII. It was always important to make charitable donations. Before her death, she gave several of her homes to the Smithsonian to be used as museums. Reading this book gave me just a peak into this woman’s full life. She did so many things that most people would only dream of doing. The author did an amazing job of research and presenting the information in memoir style of first-person writing. If you like historical nonfiction books, you will enjoy reading this one.

Allison Pataki has written a fascinating and well-researched novel based on the remarkable life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a successful businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist. Through acquisitions, Marjorie Post expanded the company she inherited from her father and renamed it General Foods Corporation. It was interesting reading about some of the innovations her company brought to the food industry. This novel also chronicles her personal life as her business and wealth grew. Known as a collector and trendsetter, she was also a woman who made a difference!

I’m a fan of @allisonpataki because she selects such compelling women to explore in her novels. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Allison Pataki brings to life historical figures like no other! Marjorie Post lead an exciting and interesting life and Pataki turns her world into a fascinating read.

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post. By Allison Pataki

A rags to riches story, Marjorie Merriweather Post was indeed a woman of many lives. Born in 1887, she lived through some of the most profound years in American and world history.

The only child of C.W Post and Ella Letitia Merriweather, Marjorie had a hand in making Post Cereals into General Foods and the multibillion dollar enterprise it is today. Her ego was huge, and money flowed through her fingers on parties, gowns, jewelry and artwork. Did I mention mansions? Well, that too. One hundred twenty six room Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach comes to mind.

Described as a business woman, mother, wife, philanthropist, and party hostess to thousands, this story of Marjorie Post will expose you to another world. Though you may come to dislike Ms.Post as a person, the author did a great job showing us the brilliance of her business sense.
#RandomHouse#NetGalley

“I did love luxury, and I did treat myself to indulgences with regularity. But in my deepest core, buried as it might be under layers of grape-sized diamonds and custom silk, I still thought of myself as the Battle Creek girl who had grown up next door to a barn. The daughter of a man who had seen it as his mission not only to succeed but also to do good for other people. I was his steward, the heir to that legacy just as much as I was the heir to his millions.” - Marjorie Merriweather Post

There are very few novelists who research and create historical fiction with the depth, care and precision that it warrants. Ms. Pataki does exactly that as she takes on the monumental task of telling the story of American icon, Marjorie Merriweather Post. The reader is informed of her many lives, encompassing 8 decades of business, travel and philanthropy. Ms. Post’s efforts to contribute to the health and happiness of the human race may seem dramatic, but this reader was fascinated with her unique journey and the legacy she leaves behind. From a girl raking wheat and making cereal, to advisor to U.S. presidents, her story is nothing short of incredible. The Hillwood Museum is now at the top of my Washington D.C. travel wishlist! I imagine historical fiction fans will embrace and enjoy each and every page.

Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post. I loved it! I’d seen a bit about the history of Post Cereal and Marjorie’s father who started the company. I had no idea how much of the success of the company can be attributed to his spunky daughter. This is especially noteworthy based on the time in which she lived and how few rights women had. She was such a strong woman and supported so many charities and funded hospitals, soup kitchens, and more to support people who didn’t have the advantages she had.

What a life! Marjorie Merriweather Post is probably best known, at least by those in the WDC area, for her estate and for the Merriweather Post Pavilion music venue, Then there's Mar-a-Lago, Talk about privilege- she was born into wealth, married wealth multiple times, and well, was the richest woman in the US thanks to the- wait for it- cereal company. That doesn't mean, of course, that she was always happy. Her four marriages were unsuccessful and she faced criticism for some of her collecting, This very much glides over the surface of a woman who lived and associated with an immense range of people, She was the mother of Dina Merrill, herself a fascinating woman. It's a good read that gives you a glimpse Into a bygone world. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not in-depth but still illuminating.

Great book about a Woman who wanted to affect change during a time when women weren’t looked at to lead. This would definitely make for a great book club discussion.

I really enjoyed reading about Marjorie Post and all about her life. I had not realized that she was the one who had built Mar A lago and that it was originally supposed to be a Florida white house. I also loved how strong of a character she was.

Allison Pataki does an excellent job of giving readers an in depth look at the life of Marjorie Post from her childhood in Battle Creek, Michigan through her death at age of 86. Marjorie Post was a woman of intelligence, money, and power, and she knew how to use all three not only to get what she wanted, but also to support projects which bettered the lives of others. The extent of her wealth, her contributions and impact, the variety of people she knew, and the people in her social circles was astonishing to me. The book was enthralling and as charming as its subject.

This is quite a wonderful read and a notable accomplishment for the author. I recommend it highly.

My thanks to the author and Ballantine Books who granted me access to an e-ARC of this novel via NetGalley. The book is scheduled for publication on 2/15/22/. All opinions stated in this review are my own and are freely given

This was a sensational read on so many levels! The narrative not only drew me in quickly to Marjorie Merriweather’ Post’s long and colorful life but was also incredibly educational in so many ways, spanning wars, the Depression, domestic and international politics over many decades The book opens with Marjorie Merriweather Post as a young girl on her way to Michigan with her parents to seek help for her severely ailing father C.W. Post from the famed Dr. John Kellogg at his Sanitarium, “the San.”

After C.W. Post is restored to health by a more varied diet and adherence to Christian Science, though Dr. Kellogg Post had despaired of curing him, Post conceives of creating a breakfast cereal to help relieve housewives of the daily task of cooking breakfast: thus is the highly successful Grape Nuts born, as well as Postum, with the young girl Marjorie herself toasting grains and gluing labels on cereal boxes in a barn.

After some time, C.W. Post takes Marjorie to Washington, D.C. for her continued education. His company expands and prospers, and he begins to move in high political circles. Eventually the family becomes quite wealthy.

Much of the novel is devoted to Marjorie’s marriages, children and work expanding the Post business enterprises, adjusting as depression and wars necessitate creative solutions. Marjorie consistently seeks ways to help others by creating food kitchens during the Depression and many other philanthropic endeavors. She becomes ever wealthier and expands the business to re-name it General Foods, buying the tiny Birds Eye business along the way. Clearly she is a very talented businesswoman.

I was fascinated by the insights into how the “rich and famous” live and play and Marjorie’s marriages, celebrity friends, and her role as Ambassadress to Moscow as the US was trying to persuade the Soviet Union to join the alliance against Hitler.. The ins and outs of that relationship after Stalin’s early alliance with the Nazis was fascinating. I had also never heard of the “Moscow malaria” which sickened both Marjorie’s husband Ambassador Joe Davies and herself; it reminded me of today’s mysterious “Havana Syndrome.”

I would highly recommend this intriguing well-written and educational book, and thank #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC.

I had never heard of Marjorie Merriweather Post before reading this wonderful book. Now I want to research her and learn all I can about Marjorie’s life and her contributions to society. What a remarkable life she led! Allison Pataki’s strong writing encouraged me to read long after I planned to learn what Marjorie would encounter in each phase of her life. This was such a well-written book and one I will not soon forget.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed above are my own.

How much do you know about the life of Marjorie Meriwether Post? I admit I didn't know much beyond the fact that she was the Post cereal heir and built Mar-A-Lago. She had a full life, loved and lost, and a life of service.
Marjorie had an unusual childhood. Her family left their Texas home to seek medical care from Dr. Kellogg in Battle Creek, Michigan. Dr. Kellogg had a sanitarium where he treated patients with homeopathic treatments including clean, unprocessed food. Mr. Post regained his health after some time and thought it would be wonderful if there was a healthy, quick to prepare food mothers could serve their family. Grape Nuts cereal was born and soon became a staple in most homes.
Marjorie was definitely before her time. She had wonderful ideas to grow the Post business, but because she was a woman, could not serve on the board of directors. So, her husband at the time usually served on her behalf. Through him and the CEO she was able to guide the company to tremendous growth and success.
Her personal life was in many ways tragic. Healthy, steady relationships were a struggle. Much of the book speaks to her philanthropy and it was massive! I was not aware of the extent of it and was pleasantly surprised.
What a delight this book was to read. Marjorie's desire to serve others in life and give back was remarkable. She at times was uncomfortable with tremendous wealth when others had so little. She supported so many workers and their families. If there was a community need, she was there. After reading this book, I feel that I know Marjorie and wish I had the opportunity to befriend her.
If you love historical fiction, don't miss this one!

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to review this remarkable book.

Having visited Marjorie Merriweather Post's Hillwood estate several times, I have always been interested with the woman and her history. While Allison Pataki's book is a work of historical fiction, it's obvious that Pataki has done her research on Marjorie Post's life.

Told from Marjorie's perspective, Pataki gives her readers a fascinating look into the life of an equally fascinating woman. Beginning with Marjorie's childhood and ending with her death, we're given a broad look into what made this woman (who came from humble beginnings) become the richest woman in America when she inherited the Post Cereal empire upon her father's death.

While Pataki's writing at times felt somewhat stilted and not as balanced as I would have liked, she gives us an engrossing read. Titles of additional non-fiction works on Post's life are included in the acknowledgements section, and I will definitely look into these for future readings.

I would like to thank #NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group for providing this electronic ARC of #TheMagnificentLivesofMarjoriePost.