The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

A Novel

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Fantastic story

The narration was superb and what a life Majorie lived. I loved her story and enjoyed learning all about her companies that are still in business today.

Incredible story

Extremely interesting story about an American heiress and icon. What an extraordinary life she lead!

Enjoyable

Really enjoyed hearing about the unimaginable life of this woman. She had so much wealth that she never wanted for anything except…..lasting love. I’ve never had either. Would like to try it her way with an endless supply of money!

Fascinating!

Interesting slice of history as well as an amazing woman’s story, Told in an engaging first person that makes Marjorie believable and likable even though we may never know what it’s like to be that wealthy!

captivating story about one of America's own

This was an extremely well written book about Marjorie Post and her family. It was enlightening and kept me listening when I should have been doing other things. One of the best books I've heard in a very long time. I hope Allison Pataki writes of more strong American females.

Fascinating!

I loved the story of Majorie Post. She was a strong woman before women were recognized. I didn’t want the book to end. The writing painted a picture in your mind.

Excellent

Excellent narration of a completely fascinating, and slightly tragic, life. Very worth listening to! So much history, and so much loss.

Interesting

Lovely descriptive book also great historical detail I truly enjoyed the peaceful happy ending yes

A unique life well lived.

A well told story of a totally incredible woman who had more adventures in real life than any fiction writer could think of. I highly recommend this book primarily to women because of the detailed descriptions of decor in the various homes as well as the incredible descriptions of the gowns and jewelry she wore to different events. Also I recommend this to men who want to learn of a truly fabulous woman and are willing to get into the mood of enjoying a beautiful woman who shared beauty with everyone.

Her first husband was a youthful mistake to a self-centered trust baby. Her second and third husbands were accomplished men who helped make her wealth grow and were generally good guys until they tired of living with a woman that was more capable in many ways than they were. The fourth husband was a great guy and again very talented but unfortunately had desires that neither could live with in a regular marriage. I am an 87 year old man with 167 audible books on my phone which I’ve read. It is an eclectic collection. Enjoy the book!

I Want To Learn More

Wow! I had no idea now much I would enjoy this book. I learned so much about Ms. Post and hope to find more written about her!