DESCRIPTION:
In this moving biography and memoir, Blair Underwood, acclaimed star of film, stage, and television, pays homage to his mother, sharing her well-lived life, and key lessons learned.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Marilyn Ann Scales Underwood dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Moving to New York City to study at the Traphagen School of Fashion, she became an assistant designer and eventually returned to her hometown where she began her career as the first Black female executive at Barmon Brothers Company. Independent and content with being single, she wasn’t interested in marriage until she met Lieutenant Frank Underwood.
Blair Underwood honors his mother with this remarkable work, bringing into sharp focus her life as a soldier's wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur, drawn from his memories, her letters, and interviews with family and friends. Told thematically, and organized around essential pillars such as Wisdom, Faith, and Patience, Underwood gently peels back the layers of his mother’s life and character to reveal highly, triumphant, and sometimes-scary moments told in Marilyn’s warm and witty voice that connects with readers. Painting a wonderfully rich and deeply human portrait of a woman whose indelible mark is felt by all privileged to know her.
Admittedly, I picked up A Soldier’s Wife because of the author, Blair Underwood. I hadn’t read the blurb beforehand, so I went in completely unaware of what to expect - and found myself fully drawn into his mother’s story. In fact, the complete title says it all: A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood.
Though relatively brief, this book shines a heartfelt spotlight on Underwood’s mother, Marilyn. It was especially interesting to learn about her early life and the experiences that shaped her. Through a blend of personal recollections, letters, and conversations with family members, Marilyn A. Underwood’s story unfolds in a way that feels both intimate and genuine.
The structure of the book is particularly thoughtful. Each chapter is built around strong, defining qualities - wisdom, devotion, perseverance, and more - and concludes with a meaningful takeaway tied to those themes. Adding to its charm, every chapter opens with a beautiful photograph of Marilyn, capturing moments from throughout her life and giving readers a deeper connection to the woman at the heart of the story.
While this book may not have widespread attention in terms of reviews, it’s one I would still recommend. What resonates most is how clearly Underwood loved his mother and how warmly he shares those memories. It’s a touching tribute that lingers long after the final page.
