Olmsted captures the period in charming detail.
Landscape of a Marriage is a cleverly titled and richly drawn drama set in the late 1850s. Mary Olmsted is a recently widowed mother of three without the means to sustain her young family. A strategic and agreeable arrangement is settled upon, where Mary weds her brother-in-law, Fred. He is a kind and industrious man, but is more dedicated to his work than anything else. The couple grows in affection and admiration for one another, but problems and calamities beset the Olmsteds. From tragedy, though, springs something enduring.
Gail Ward Olmsted captures the period in charming detail in this comely novel. Compared to modern notions of ethics and morality, it is refreshing indeed to enjoy a slice of life from a more delicate time. That doesn’t mean that adult topics are off-limits. Rather, they are treated with the grace and decorum appropriate to the era. The real beauty in the story, however, comes as the couple cultivates their talents, creating green spaces and places of solitude from the famed Central Park and beyond. From wondrous modern innovations to the endless joys and trials of a changing family, Landscape of a Marriage is a delightful tale, filling in the gaps in the life of a renowned historical figure. Each character is unique and endearing, even with their flaws and limitations. The pace is as pleasant as an afternoon stroll, ambling through the remarkable life of the Olmsted family. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book stands out as a shining example of how to honor a time period while breathing new life into a family that time won’t soon forget.
