“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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didn’t like it
Good book and from what I have read of Lord Byron it follows pretty much his real life.
I’ve always heard about Lord Byron, but never been introduced to his life and story. Although this is fictionalized, Browne writes a convincing story about his early life. And the poetry she includes flows seamlessly throughout the chapters of Byron’s early life. I am inspired to continue reading the series.
Learned about Byrons life. Was an OK read. A bit slow for me. Not interesting enough to read the other books in the series.
Interesting read. If I remember I will read the sequel. I won’t be heartbroken if I miss it, but enjoyed the storyline of the first installment.
This was an intellectually stimulating book about a famous person in history of whom I knew little about. The author brought this poet to life in an entertaining way. The character was larger than life as the original person must have been to have remained in our Collective memories this long.
I enjoyed this book
Interesting take on Lord Byron. Enjoyed
This is an exceptional study of Byron extremely well researched. The primary task of the historic fiction author is to tell the truth about the characters without the binding requirement of historic citation. I believe this is well done in terms of Byron’s upbringing, feelings, and characterizations. You close the book feeling as if you’ve known and understood him for the first time.
Interesting at times, but other times it is redundant in telling of his character.
Very well done. Brought Lord Byron to life for me! Two thumbs up
Couldnt Put it down. At the end of each book I ordered the next.
I had never read anything on Byron. I enjoyed this very much!
Loved this historical story. Told in a way that keeps one interested and entertained.
I had heard of Lord Byron, but had never read his poetry. It was a mystery to me why I chose to read this book, but I really enjoyed it. The author did an excellent job bringing Lord Byron to life—his struggles, his victories, his pain and the relationships which influenced his life. Highly recommend this book.
Very good read. I plan to read the rest of the series.
emotional
Interesting early life of Lord Byron…..
This book had a very good story line. Many twists and turns. Will read the whole series.
Predictable, with evil mother, crudely depicted, incestuous maid, even cruder. When rich uncle dies and leaves his castle to the boy, id had enough of the bad writing