As it's National Poetry Day, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on Byron. The celebrity cult of Lord Byron began while he was still alive, boomed when he died, and still continues today. He remains an object of fascination, scandal, and appeal. I've been interested in him since I first read about him in a "Famous People" encyclopaedia. It was a children's book, so it did not explore the more infamous aspects of his life. But it was enough to inspire me to delve further into research on the man and the myth - including the puzzle of the mirror . Ultimately, Byron went on to become a major inspiration for my first published book Day's Dying Glory , right down to its title. His early poems (generally my favourite ones) feature heavily in the book, and I enjoyed weaving in lines and references which Byron-fans would spot where others might not even notice them. Poets and poetry have inspired hundreds of writers. It is fascinating that language can be so power...
Today for #HistFicThursdays, I am delighted to be sharing a book excerpt from R. W. Meek's fabulous new book! I'm once again teaming up with The Coffee Pot Book Club to share a sample of the The Dream Collector: Sabrine and Vincent van Gogh!
First of all, let's meet the book...
Sabrine, hospitalized for five years at the infamous Salpêtrière Asylum for Women, gains her release due to intervention of her sister Julie Forette and a young Sigmund Freud. The reunited sisters are introduced to the dazzling art milieu of 1886 Paris, and soon become close friends to the leading Impressionists. Sabrine attracts a cult following as a poetess, the enigmatic "Haiku Princess." Seemingly cured by Freud of her Grand Hysteria, Sabrine soon enters into a tumultuous relationship with Vincent van Gogh.
Julie and Sigmund Freud, alarmed by the eerie parallels between the emotionally volatile couple and their self-destructive impulses, begin an urgent search to discover the root causes for Sabrine and Vincent's growing psychoses. Julie, 'The Dream Collector' seeks their most unforgettable dream for Freud's interpretation and revelations occur.
The Dream Collector is an exploration of the psychological consequences of betrayal, abandonment--and the redemptive power of art.
You can buy The Dream Collector: Sabrine and Vincent van Gogh is available on #KindleUnlimited via this link.
(How gorgeous is this cover?!)
And here's an excerpt to whet your appetite:
“Returning to the Nest”
AS f.f. and I found our way to Sabrine’s door, we heard loud tapping from inside. Entering, we quietly set our presents down, transfixed: Sabrine was busily hammering a bird’s nest to the wall. When finished, she began rummaging inside a large, wood crate at her feet where more nests were deeply stacked. As she was still unaware of our presence, we gazed at her handiwork.
The wall had become a tableau of nests, of varying sizes and colours, hung in artistic patterns. There were pin wheels, undulating waves, and even nests so remarkably assembled that they resembled musical notes. It seemed as if she had imagined her own firmament—but replaced stars with nests.
f.f. cleared his throat to signal we were in the room. “May we be of humble assistance?” he queried.
Not at all surprised by our presence, she held out a nest made of fine hay straw. “Oh, yes! You can reach much higher than I.”
“Only in the most literal and mundane sense; but first...” He took off his top hat and removed his kid gloves before taking the nest, peering inside. “Any leftover eggs to be concerned about?”
“Oh, Vincent and I never took nests where there were eggs or baby birds.”
We put the mention of Vincent aside. I sat down on the floor, next to my sister, inspecting the various nests inside the crate. I simply did not want her to know that Vincent had voluntarily committed himself to the Saint Paul Asylum.
Now, let's meet the author:
His first novel The Dream Collector “Sabrine & Sigmund Freud” was voted runner-up by the Historical Fiction Company for best novel of 2022.
Born in Baltimore, he currently resides with his wife Pamela in Santa Clarita, California. He’s passionate about art, cinema, literature and jazz. His two dogs, Reve and Banjo, were awarded angelic status in heaven.
You can find the author on these links:
To follow the rest of the tour for The Dream Collector: Sabrine and Vincent van Gogh, click on the banner below:
Thank you very much for hosting R.w. Meek today on your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club