“Will seduce the reader right off the bat.” — Perfect for fans of POLDARK and DOWNTON ABBEY – Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner Finalist in the IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD for Outstanding Historical Fiction
He was later to become known as “The most beautiful and most famous man in England” — but not yet….As a boy he thought his name was George Gordon, but that wasn’t true. He thought … he thought his name was George Gordon, but that wasn’t true. He thought he would grow up poor, but that also wasn’t true. Long before he rose from obscurity to poetic stardom and became Britain’s first superstar, he had learned that his true surname was Byron
Although presented in Novel form and cloaked in the style of fiction,, this is the true and meticulously researched story of the most iconic superstar of his time – Lord Byron. Ignoring all the old and unproven rumours and sensational scandals fabricated at the time of the 19th Century, which have been regurgitated by biographers every generation – all the events in this book come from the people who physically were THERE with Byron at the time. If they were not there, or did not write about it, or did not see the events as eyewitnesses – they are NOT included in this book.
Beginning when he is a boy of ten years old, we join George Gordon when he is living a miserable life with his manic Scottish mother in a few rented rooms above a shop in Aberdeen, unaware that his true heritage is with the English aristocracy – who soon come to claim him.
A life of wealth and privilege is then bestowed upon him, which eventually sets the stage for him to prove his own individual worth, in his own way, and in his own time.
Meticulously researched, and adapted into novel form, ‘A Strange Beginning’ is the first of a series of books about the most iconic young man of his time, whose fame still lives on today.
“My name alone shall be my epitaph.” — BYRON
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This is a biography of Lord Byron. He was born with a club foot and so in his youth he experienced some taunting by others. When his father dies he has to take care of the estate. A young girl from a neighboring estate often is his playmate. He loves animals and fortunately, one of the caretakers is a true friend and helps him. His mother is not very motherly and takes off to the city. After finishing his studies he decides to travel abroad and once back he ends up making love to his former playmate but then discovers he truly is not into women. The slow realization of his homosexuality is very nicely handled. It has been a while since I read that book but first of all, I knew little about Lord Byron and secondly really enjoyed the book.
Love this book! And the whole series. Couldn’t put it down!
Slow moving….
Loved reading this series. Looking forward to reading the last two books.
I really enjoyed reading this novel about Lord Byron. I learned a lot and I liked the way it was written.
Enjoyable book about a resilient young man.
I loved this book. It was informative and easy to read.
Historical at the same time you get a glimpse of the life of Lord Byron, one of the best poets.
I enjoyed learning about Lord Byron and how his early life shaped him!
She made Lord Byron and all the characters in his life come alive, tying in all the real good and bad trials George went through in his life.
Learn more about Lord Byron…lots of his poetry too
very inteestinghistorical background
I had the sense of reading about the life of a swashbuckler rather than a poet. Although poetry was included, it was beside the point in this biography of a very complex character. Part of a series, we only discover Lord Byron’s life until the age of twenty-three. Many characters often make the story confusing.
Learned a lot about the culture, the period and his physical and family challenges .
Great read, and I learned more of Lord Byron
Good historical fiction
This really surprised me. Fast paced, sweet so like real life. Well of course based on true story. Helps me understand this sweet poet. So many things today are the same as in 1810. We travel, but in 1810 much harder than today. Read, i can’t wait for the next installment.
Interesting insight into Lord Byron
The. book was enlightening for me. Well written, it is the about the first twenty five years of George Lord Byron’s life and the hardships he encountered. I especially liked the quoted poems which helped me appreciate the power of the poet .
What a wonderful book! Now that I feel I know Byron personally, and can empathize with him, he has become so much more real to me. I have been recommending “A Strange Beginning” to all my literature loving friends. He was such a unique & fascinating individual. Having him removed from the realm of plaster saints has really enhanced my appreciation for his work. Now that I understand where it all came from, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
CuzNRuby