In her latest publication, Allison Pataki delves into the intriguing and tragically brief life of Concord scholar and feminist, Margaret Fuller.
Allison Pataki is renowned for her bestselling historical novels that spotlight often overlooked yet captivating “leading ladies,” such as Marjorie Merriweather Post, Desiree Clary, and Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary. This time, she immerses herself in the extraordinary life of Margaret Fuller, a feminist and public intellectual from Cambridge, Massachusetts, who was likened to Edgar Allan Poe in her era. Pataki extensively researched Fuller in Concord, as detailed in “Finding Margaret Fuller,” which recently made its debut. In a recent interview from her residence in New York, Pataki discussed Fuller’s remarkable and vibrant life in anticipation of her upcoming reading at An Unlikely Story in Plainville this Saturday.
Q. While you initially pursued a career in journalism during your college years at Yale, you eventually transitioned to writing fiction, particularly focusing on lesser-known female historical figures. What prompted this shift in your career path?
A. My experience working at ABC News during and after college made me realize that my true passion lay in crafting in-depth and immersive narratives. With a background in English and history, I have always been drawn to questioning and storytelling. Historical events offer a rich tapestry for exploring human nature’s complexities. My interest in historical fiction blossomed with my first book about Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold’s wife, who I found to be a compelling character within that narrative.
Historical fiction, for me, serves as an educational and engaging medium. While history lays the foundation, fiction breathes life into the story, allowing readers to witness events firsthand and empathize with historical figures. The storytelling experience in fiction enables these characters to resonate authentically and vividly with audiences.
Q. How do you select the subjects for your novels, considering the significant time investment required for researching and writing about them?
A. Choosing a subject is akin to committing to a lifelong relationship. It begins with a deep fascination for both the historical figure and the era they inhabited. My research process entails an exhaustive exploration of primary sources, biographies, and the subject’s own writings to fully immerse myself in their world. This deep dive allows me to authentically embody the time period and the individual, fueling my obsession with the subject.
Q. What message do you hope modern readers will glean from your portrayal of Margaret Fuller in your latest book?
A. Margaret Fuller’s multifaceted identity encompassed numerous groundbreaking achievements—she was the first woman granted access to Harvard’s library, a pioneering female foreign correspondent, and the inaugural female editor of a prominent intellectual journal, among other roles. Her legacy as an author, editor, feminist, activist, and Transcendentalist reflects her courageous and brilliant contributions to American society, culture, and thought. By shedding light on her life, I aim to encourage readers to engage with her story, appreciate her impact, and honor her enduring influence.
Q. Despite enjoying considerable fame during her lifetime and being lauded by Ralph Waldo Emerson as the “radiant genius and fiery heart” of the Transcendentalist circle, why do you think Margaret Fuller’s reputation waned over time, relegating her to obscurity as “the forgotten Transcendentalist” and “America’s forgotten leading lady”?
A. Fuller’s premature death at the age of 40 abruptly curtailed a potentially prolific career. The loss of her unrealized future contributions, including a manuscript lost with her tragic demise, deprived the world of her unwavering voice in pivotal movements such as women’s rights and abolition. Without her continued advocacy and a substantial published legacy, Fuller gradually faded into historical insignificance, becoming a mere footnote in the annals of time.
Q. Did you uncover any intriguing or amusing facts about Margaret Fuller during your research?
A. One captivating revelation was discovering that Nathaniel Hawthorne drew inspiration from Margaret Fuller for the character of Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.” Fuller’s distinct persona was so vividly depicted that Hawthorne’s wife reportedly took to her bed after reading the novel.
Q. Could you share your experiences conducting research in Concord, a historically rich and vibrant setting?
A. My time researching Fuller’s life in Concord was truly enriching. Exploring locations such as Emerson’s house, Louisa May Alcott’s residence, Walden Pond, and Sleepy Hollow cemetery provided invaluable insights into Fuller’s environment. Concord’s blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and contemporary vibrancy made it an ideal backdrop for delving into Fuller’s narrative.
Q. With the release of “Finding Margaret Fuller,” are you already envisioning your next project centered around another remarkable historical figure?
A. Indeed, my next undertaking will feature Evelyn Nesbit, the notorious “It Girl” of the early 20th century—an influential model and actress embroiled in a scandal that captivated the nation as the inaugural “Crime of the Century.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Allison Pataki alongside Greer Macallister this Saturday at 3 p.m. at An Unlikely Story, located at 111 South St., Plainville.
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