The Man ... The Poet ... The Legend Having left England behind him, Lord Byron arrives on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he meets the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Godwin and Claire Clairmont. Four young people seeking a new life.
All are brought to life in that happy and haunted summer of true friendship, love, and story-telling; when during a period of stormy weather over the Alps, Mary writes 'Frankenstein'; and Byron writes 'The Vampyre', later plagiarised and published by his physician John William Polidori.
Based on their own words in the letters and journals of Byron, Shelley, and Mary, the author brings the reader inside the Villa Diodati to vividly share in the world of these leading icons of the Romantic Movement during that famous summer in 1816.
Assessment:
Plot: Browne utilizes real-life events surrounding Lord Byron to create a quasi-fictional historical tale that moves along at a moderate pace and discusses much of the poet’s life. The major moving parts of the novel are separated by relevant quotes about Byron, while a few minor storylines about other poets and their lives are included.
Prose: Browne’s prose is clean, clear, and eloquent. The writing hints at a historically accurate vocabulary and speaking style, but not to the point where readers will be distracted or confused.
Originality: Browne’s novel boasts a vibrant, fresh storyline. Bryon's poetry and story are vividly brought to life.
Character Development: The characters in this novel are fully developed and will delight readers. The introduction of other contemporary poets to the cast of characters is a bonus to literature lovers.
Blurb: A well-researched and fantastically embellished novel of Lord Byron and the life of his close, contemporary circle. Wonderful for history buffs and drama lovers alike.
Date Submitted: April 21, 2018
