"Byron only had to come, and to be seen, in order to conquer."
At twenty-seven, Lady Caroline Lamb reads the story of a young aristocrat's strange journey through unknown and barbaric parts of Europe in Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, and declares her opinion that the author would certainly be "mad, bad, and dangerous to know." A few weeks later she actually meets him, and becomes obsessed to the point of erotomania.
From the wilds of Albania to a life of luxury as one of the beau monde in Regency London, George Gordon Lord Byron is astounded at the burst of fame that engulfs him on the publication of Childe Harold. "I awoke one morning and found myself famous." Meticulously researched, and adapted into novel form, 'A Strange World' is a vivid and truthful portrait of the most iconic young man of his time, and Britain's first superstar.
This is the second book in the Lord Byron series. It continues from the first book when he has come back to England and his book is published and is extremely popular. I knew nothing about him until i read the first book in this seriesA strange Beginning if this is anything like what his life was really like, I would love to have met him.
What happened to the rest of the book? It was chopped off without any resolution or promise of what is yet to be written about Lord Byron. I was upset by the author's writing, `He don`t....` That is bad grammar repeated by the author several times. Since I am nit picking, the word 'scram` was not used until the twentieth century according to Webster. I am nit picking because I am mad at the author for not finishing the series in this book. I liked the read, and the author is a good story teller. This book is more a biography than anything else, and the life of Byron should have wrapped up in this book.
An interesting subject, well researched (as far as I can tell). Links are made to other important figures in politics and literature. The writing is rather prosaic, with occasional lapses of English which an editor should have picked up, but I have read much worse. Overall, a good introduction to Byron.
I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering and reading Gretta Curran Browne's writing. Her mixing fiction with fact is not easy and if she has purified the characters a little - so be it. As one reviewer suggests, Lord Byron was gay. How do you know for sure? As an author, I know if you dare to write about our past esteemed, respected and noble characters, the writer can be sued for making false and defaming statements. Gretta has kept me entertained and wanting to believe every word she has written. Plus what a wonderful way to learn more about Lord Byron, Governor Macquarie etc. etc..
I can’t stop! It’s like a soap opera. I started the series believing there were 3 book, but now I find there are 5. I don’t know if I will read them all, but I will now download book 3. The story of Lord Byron is extremely captivating...a most unusual fellow. I must read on!
I truly could not put this book down. It's a fascinating read on the life of Lord Bryon after his school and college days in England circa 1808-12 .
His personality again comes to life with the assistance of author Gretta Curran Browne who paints a picture of Lord Byron's eccentricities and magnetism as a poet and political figure.
I love how the author inserts verse into the appropos portions of the story. I was unaware of so much of this amazing man's life and this biographical novel has been eye-opening.
The story, in this second book of this series, continues as Lord Byron has returned from his travels and becomes famous for his poetry and known for his surprising introductory speech in the House of Lords where he champions the commoners. His words are powerful and his public persona is illuminated by his physical appearance.
I loved his speaking out as a lord for the commoners! It's so sad to become a political activist just to find out the "fix is in."
The book relates his meeting and relationship with Lady Caroline Lamb who became obscessed with him as did women of the public at-large. The overwhelming response to his published book of 'Childe Harold' is frightening! Especially given his age of 24 years.
I highly recommend this book, this series, to historical fiction readers.
Just finished A STRANGE WORLD, second in the 5-book Lord Byron series by Gretta Curran Browne. The series is a fictionalized account of the life of Lord Byron (1788-1824), English poet, politician, peer in the House of Lords, revolutionary in the Greek War of Independence, and a leading figure of the era's Romantic movement. Volume One, A STRANGE BEGINNING, told of his early life. A STRANGE WORLD continues the story into adulthood with his conflicts, loves, associations with contemporaries famous and not, stirring up the House of Lords with his speeches, and more. The author skillfully mixes the historical with the fictional and incorporates passages of his poetry at appropriate places. Many books incorporate multiple time lines and subplots, but the author here stays with the plot and tells the story in linear fashion. It is so well-written, wonderful descriptions, characters, emotion, and insights into the society, classes, politics, and history of the period. Four enthusiastic stars.
I like the personality of lord Byron, but after a while his escapades all seem the same. I keep waiting for a mystery to unravel, but none appears. The writing is good it has kept me involved for two of the authors books. I am not sure if I will continue with the series. So far the narrative lacks depth.
Interesting narrative but by the end of book 2, still lacks depth, a good story ..... .... ... ..... ???
I thought I would like the subject but it was very boring. I could not get past the first chapter before I said I had enough. I could care less about his book on his travels and nothing but pages on his male friends, Other than the maid mentioned briefly there were no women. Life is boring without females. Perhaps he had romances later in the book but they needed to be established much earlier.
My favorite genre is action. I'd never have expected novels about a poet to satisfy my desire for intrigue and fast moving events. I've now read the first two novels in the Byron series, and both have been page turners for this action junkie. Go figure!
She writes dialogue like no other. I love that she tells the story largely through characters' conversations and laces in Byron's poetry to sew up the effect of events on him.
The book is certainly well researched and we'll written. However, I struggle to read any biography as they amble along slowly over time. I realize that reality is not always filled with mystery or drama, but I need books as an escape from real life. This genre seems to always disappointment expectations. I will not be reading the subsequent novels.
Ms Brown makes the life and adventures of Lord Byron come alive in these books. Much of his poetry and many of his letters embellish the story. This is the second book of the series and there are more! I will delight in reading them and recommend them to anyone who is interested in Lord Byron’s works and life.
I'm enjoying Byron's story very much. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the songs we sing is in Temple is by Byron. I can see why there are so many books... there's so much to write about. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Enjoy this book very much. A glimpse Into the life of a famous lord and poet. However his life was not as easy as one would suspect. Health issues, female stalkers, and a true forbidden love.
Very interesting and entertaining take on the life of Lord Byron. You end the book feeling like Lord Byron is a long lost friend who you have just had the pleasure of catching up with again. Good read.
I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to delve into the next one. The writing style is easy and flowing. Thank you, Greta Curran Browne for you research and ability to bring history to life.
This was a very good book. It was better than Lord Byron #1. The story and characters are interesting funny and believable. The author has done a good job but this book did end a bit abruptly. I would certainly read more books by Ms. Browne.
I’m so enjoying this series. In my view is it’s part fiction and part biography. Almost like a college doctoral. It’s so well researched, and yet there’s romance and humor thrown in to keep it great. Not just facts and quotes, but a story, a good one.
Loved the first and liked the second. It became a lot of the same daily life for Lord Byron and I lost interest. Maybe I'll pick it back up and finish it another time. Great writing style, though!