The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

A Novel

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • “Marvelous . . . I just had to be there with the Post cereal heiress through every twist and turn.”—Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

“New-money heiress Marjorie Post isn’t content to remain a society bride as she remakes herself into a savvy entrepreneur, a visionary philanthropist, a presidential hostess, and much more.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

Mrs. Post, the President and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar’s treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine.

Marjorie’s journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post’s Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.

And yet Marjorie’s story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.

Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process.

©2022 Allison Pataki (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This is an absolutely terrific novel. If you want to know more about the twentieth century, it’s all here . . . and if you want to be inspired by a brilliant, gorgeous, and powerful woman, then Marjorie Post fits will fill the bill. . . . Pataki manages to make every chapter in this long and complicated life fascinating. Marjorie’s love life is as enthralling as it is heartbreaking. Her four successive husbands are unequal to the task of truly loving a woman of such wealth and power. She never admits defeat, however, and ultimately embodies the ideal of a true American hero.”—Historical Novel Society

“Allison Pataki takes the reader on a luxurious ride filled with jet-setting locales and opulent mansions, while deftly revealing how Marjorie Post’s humble beginnings fed her desire to become a new kind of heiress, forging her own way through the world and keenly aware of her legacy.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

“The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post is a richly detailed and impeccably researched triumph. Historical fiction readers will love this immersive and sweeping tribute to the fascinating Marjorie Merriweather Post.”—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba

Enough.

I liked the book for about the first half. But after 3 failed marriages and Marjorie NEVER being at fault whatsoever and gloating, gloating , gloating about her enormous wealth and possessions, I finally stopped. The book , read in first person , is obviously Margories account of her life but it is quite obviously that although she was a philanthropist - which she bragged much about - she liked herself way to much and I think in life she was probably quite nauseating !!! Maybe this was the author’s point of the book ?

Entertaining and Interesting

It’s always amazing to read how the top 1% lives. Marjory Post was an amazing lady who definitely cared about others but could not be described as “down to earth” in her style and taste.

She had an amazing life and a variety of experiences being able to straddle the divide between that of a woman, knowing her role, and a business tycoon at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be that.

Beautiful, captivating story!

This book spans many important times in history. It also is a testament to what one person can accomplish in their lifetime. It was a joy to read.

Throughly engaging

I have never known the life story of Ms Post. This story tells her young, formative years all the way to her death. I found this to be well formed and the narrative was spot on.

Love this book

I enjoyed this book tremendously and recommend it. I want to learn even more about her.

Fascinating story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fascinating story, great narration, and a glimpse into a world and time I knew little about.

Loved the book!

A great story about a well-lived life. Sorry it had to end. Marjorie was very human.

Fabulous!

I will be reading everything by this author. Every detail she included about Ms Post was a clue about the times and about the this amazing woman’s strong character, how she gave and gave and gave. I loved her depth of feeling and even her foibles. We need more works like this. Also, the voices on the audiobook were perfect.

A Lover of Hillwood learns the history

What a magnificent story. Having been to Hillwood many times, I loved learning more details of MWP’s life. I loved the history behind all the icons, paintings and jewelry. Well narrated also. A pleasure to listen to this book.

Abundant and purposeful life

A wonderful story of an amazing, industrious woman and a life well lived and spent.