Always a lover of history, Mary Higgins Clark wrote this extensively researched biographical novel and titled it Aspire to the Heavens, after the motto of George Washington's mother. Published in 1969, the book was more recently discovered by a Washington family descendant and reissued as Mount Vernon Love Story. Dispelling the widespread belief that although George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, he reserved his true love for Sally Carey Fairfax, his best friend's wife, Mary Higgins Clark describes the Washington marriage as one full of tenderness and passion, as a bond between two people who shared their lives -- even the bitter hardship of a winter in Valley Forge -- in every way. In this author's skilled hands, the history, the love, and the man come fully and dramatically alive.
Mount Vernon Love Story
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Book Description
In Mount Vernon Love Story -- famed suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark's long-out-of-print first novel -- the bestselling author reveals the flesh-and-blood man who became the "father of our country" in a story that is charming, insightful, and immensely entertaining.
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From Publishers Weekly
Originally published in 1969 under the title Aspire to the Heavens, this slim, muted historical romance is the long-out-of-print debut by America's reigning queen of suspense. As the quasi-biographical novel opens, George Washington is preparing to attend the inauguration of his successor, John Adams; Clark, employing inelegant but efficient transitional techniques (Adams's "rather flat nasal voice seemed to become more clipped and sharp-toned.... It became his mother's voice"), quickly moves the narrative back to George's boyhood. The temporal seesaw continues as she juxtaposes George's trials (his mean mother, his unrequited love for a friend's wife) and triumphs (his land acquisitions, his bravery in battle) with his reflections on the state of the union in the novel's 1797 present. But her focus remains on the domestic (a French and Indian ambush at the Monongahela River in 1755 is rendered with far less care and credibility than scenes of George's skill on the dance floor) and the emotional (George's "mantle of leadership" concerns him much less than the naughtiness of his stepson). What passes for a driving narrative force is George's slow transfer of affection from the beautiful, charismatic Sally Carey to the small, "pretty widow" Martha (known as Patsy) Custis he married, and then the growing bond between "my old man" and "my dearest Patsy." Though it can be argued that Clark's tale is neither sufficiently historical nor romantic and it's definitely "not a suspense story," as Clark allows in a brief prefatory note this is a light read that completists will devour, and that Clark's other fans may appreciate simply because it's a different bill of fare.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
You probably missed Clark's first effort, which was issued in a limited edition under the title Aspire to the Heavens. Her subject? The ongoing romance between George and Martha Washington, post-presidency.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
IT WAS A WINDSWEPT, RAW MARCH MORNING and the city looked bleak and dreary as it shivered under the overcast sky. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
IT WAS A WINDSWEPT, RAW MARCH MORNING and the city looked bleak and dreary as it shivered under the overcast sky. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Eric A. Klee
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Having recently visited Mount Vernon on vacation, I was very interested to read "Mount Vernon Love Story" by Mary Higgins Clark since I assumed it would lead into further insight of the relationship between George and Martha ("Patsy") Washington. Not only did it delve deeper into their relationship than was learned on the visit to their home, but it also provided a deeper insight into the history of the United States.
The book's chapters alternate between the beginning of George and Martha's relationship and the end of his presidency. It's a very clever way of storytelling, and each chapter leads into the next with grace, bouncing between time.
I must admit that this is the first book I've ever read by Mary Higgins Clark, so I am not familiar with her writing style. And I am sure that this book of history is quite different from her mystery books. It is her first book, however, and it shows.
The love story in the title is more the love of Mount Vernon -- the home, the grounds, the idea of it, etc. -- than the love story between George and Martha Washington. It's about the growth of Mount Vernon and the love its owners and visitors had for it. And why they couldn't stop being excited returning to it day after day.
Although I wasn't that drawn into the book and the romance between George and Martha, it was intriguing to learn some details about the Washingtons' lives. I especially enjoyed the chapter involving George introducing Martha to his domineering mother for the first time. Here, I felt drawn into the characters and loved the interaction between them. George tries to keep his temper in place over his mother's criticisms while Martha calms him down with her gentle touch. Unfortunately, this type of character development did not seem to continue through the rest of the book.
It was definitely an enjoyable read, but I guess I was hoping for something more.
By M. A. Ramos
Format:Hardcover
This is the frist book written by Mary Higgins Clark. This book focuses on the love story of George and Martha Washington. The book takes palce in two timelines. It begins with President Washington preparing to leave public office and return to Mount Vernon with his wife Martha, who liked to be called Patsy. And quickly jumps back to periods of Geroge Washinton's youth. Trying to give us some insight on the man and his relation ship with Martha.
A lot of research went into this book. And I learned a lot about one of the founding fathers of the USA. The book is a charming and quick read. You almost are left with the thought of yearning for a few more chapters. It made me want to look further into George Washington's life and career.
By MAB
Format:Hardcover
"Mount Vernon Love Story : A Novel of George and Martha Washington" is an interesting novel that depicts George Washington in a different light. I knew nothing about his marriage to his wife Martha (who would rather to be called Patsy), or about his home, Mount Vernon. No one can know his thoughts and emotions, so I do wonder if he had such an austere mind. All I know is that the Washington's marriage is one to be looked up to. I recommend.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another View of George Washington...
This was a very interesting book. It took me a long while to get into the story, but it was a very worthwhile read. I liked
how the chapters were cut so short. Read more
how the chapters were cut so short. Read more
Published on April 20 2004 by L. Hall
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mount Vernon Love Story
The Love of George and Martha Washington
"He will make a fine president." Mary Higgins Clark in Mount Vernon Love Story expresses strong emotions and feelings that George and... Read more
Published on Oct 10 2003
3.0 out of 5 stars
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S LOVE LIFE
An interesting side of George Washington I'm sure most people hadn't thought about. From his domineering mother Mary, to his lost love Sally Fairfax, to Martha "Patsy"... Read more
Published on July 30 2003 by Jeff Howard
4.0 out of 5 stars
A nice change of pace...
I don't normally read Mary Higgins Clark's books, but I decided to give this one a try. It was a fast and interesting read, and I enjoyed it very much. Read more
Published on May 31 2003 by meiringen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A romantic view of a great man
I wish I had read this book (Aspire to the Heavens is the original title) when I was first discovering history. Read more
Published on Mar 17 2003 by Busy Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Romantic Tale of a Mighty Man
I highly recommend the reading of "Mount Vernon Love Story". Though it is a historical account of George Washington, author Mary Higgins Clark remains true to her romantic writing... Read more
Published on Mar 1 2003 by "aceba00"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like Stepping Back In Time
This was a wonderful story. It was touching, interesting and kept me wanting more. It was not only a story of George Washington's life but of his love for Martha and his home. Read more
Published on Jan 6 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
History for non history buffs
Thank-you Mary Higgins Clark for another fine read. I am not a history buff but was mesmerized with the information you shared in this book. It was quite enjoyable!!! Read more
Published on Dec 12 2002 by Jane Kitson
3.0 out of 5 stars
VERY light reading
I still don't know Washington any better. I wish she would've added a small ending explaining why the author chose to go into some subjects and neglect others entirely. Weird. Read more
Published on Oct 29 2002 by A. Y. Smittle
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not up to Clark's standards.
Mount Vernon Love Story, a biographical novel by suspense, mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark is actually her first novel published in 1969. Read more
Published on Oct 27 2002 by Harold L. Laroff
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