Palm Beach, Mar-A-Lago, and the Rise of America's Xanadu by Les StandifordMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
[I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
Probably like many, I was attracted to read about Mar-A-Lago because of the Trump association. Actually, at some point he said something like "Now it really has become the southern White House" and that piqued my interest. The Trump part here is three decades of history that feels tacked on and rushed. There are interesting anecdotes and legal cases that suggest the man is small-minded, vindictive, and inconsiderate. Interestingly, Melania comes across as having control over him.
The title really fits the book and what it is about, from railroad tycoon Henry Flagler arriving in April 1893 and leaving behind what was to become the legendary Breakers. Also important in the evolution of this enclave of the elite is sewing machine heir Paris Singer and architect Addison Mizner who created the "Mediterranean look" of Palm Beach. Then comes the building of interesting and the pet project of Marjorie Merriweather Post who so desperately hoped it would live on under the care and attention of the federal government.
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