Molly Brown: Unraveling the Myth

I bought this book at the Molly Brown House and Museum in Denver, a few weeks ago. I like biographies, autobiographies, and well-written historical fiction about the lives of women, so this one caught my eye. I was not disappointed. Dr. Iverson brought Margaret (Molly) Brown to life in context with the Victorian Age she part of. I delighted in all the little details of family and friends, fashions, travel, politics, and society that enriched this biography, for none of us exist in a vaccum. Margaret Tobin Brown, an interesting philanthropist and activist who was way ahead of her time, has at last been given the respect she deserves, rather than trivializing her as merely Molly Brown, the crude, opportunistic, unsinkable wife of Mr. Brown.

Ok folks, let's get down to it. I've not left a review before because I thought it might sound as though I was being overly supportive with a bias. Well,I am overly supportive and I do have a bias. I am one of Margaret Browns great granddaughters.I can't tell you how thrilled we were when Kristen got in touch with us and asked if we would speak with her. It was so exciting to know that someone was going to tell the truth about Margaret! I must tell you that the other material that was out there before Kristen wrote her book was astonishing. There was Timberline. Although it was entertaining, Mr. Fowler had my great grandmother being raised on the milk of a nanny goat by a drunken Irishman named Shamus. This was due to the "fact" that Molly's mother had died from a broken heart when Molly was but six months old because she had birthed such an unnatural child!We then have an incredible book by Carolyn Bancroft. She painted Margaret as a crude, brash, foul mouthed, illiterate, baffoon.I must say however, in defense of Mrs. Bancroft, she grew up hearing simply terrible tales about my family. It is my understanding that her father and my great grandfather were bitter enimies ( family stories have J.J. Brown physically kicking Mr. Bancroft down his office steps...ouch!).What I would like to tell you is this. From a member of the family, if you want to read a book that had the truth about Margaret Brown ... this is it! It also has some amazing pictures that had never been seen by the public prior to the release of this book. My favorite is Margaret and my grandmother atop camels just before Margaret left to sail on Titanic. Perfectly horrid hats but what a hoot!I really hope that you enjoy this book. Margaret would have loved it!

It was refreshing to finally read a book that contains the FACTS of Margaret Brown. Kristen Iversen does a wonderful job in her research with the Brown family and the forward is written by Muffet Brown (Margaret's great grand daughter). This book is a true celebration of women. It covers so much of her life and the important role she played in womens sufferage. Margaret was truly a remarkable, kind, and generous woman, far beyond her time. Talk about a MODERN woman! She traveled ALONE around the world without her husband, something that was UNHEARD of in the early 20th century. I coulnd't put this book down! If you are interested in the Titanic, the history of remarkable women and Newport, New York and Denver society - read this book. Margaret was a well respected and well regarded woman who WAS Denver society. Forget any of the trash you have read about this woman being a foul mouthed, tacky, Denver soceity wannabe....this books contains only the facts of what Margeret was, is and why all the myths of her live on...... Truly a fascinating woman!

Kristen Iversen went beyond what must people think they know about Molly Brown. With her book we got to meet the real Margaret Brown. Margaret, Who in a time when women were suppose to stay home, take care of hubby and the kids wanted more out of life and she went for it. Margaret gave and gave and never wanted anything back but respect and she so deserved it. There wasn't anyone or anything she wouldn't help with. I have so much more respect for Margaret Brown. If you want the truth buy this book

It is a rare delight to come across a gem such as this book. Iversen has passionately documented the true life story of an American legend with the support of Margaret Brown's family. She has included incredible facts that have never been shared with the public, as well as extremely rare photographs. Iversen discusses Margaret's involvement with the Titanic tragedy in a compelling and detailed manner. She also covers such topics as Margaret's involvement in women's rights and human rights in general. This is a must read book for Margaret Brown and Titanic enthusiasts of all types!