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 was supposed to be a book review day, but with everything that is currently needing attention, I haven't got round to reading my backlist yet and, rather than skim read one of the books, I would rather do it the credit of giving my full attention.
So, I thought, that I would introduce my favourite book from when I was little.
The Moon of Gomrath is a fantasy adventure, which I partially credit with my love of the genre. It is heavily woven with myths and legends from rural England and, while I grew up many miles away from Alderley Edge where the book is set, I could imagine the story happening close to where I lived in another corner of the English countryside.
The book is actually the sequel to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen but I read them out of sync, and it didn't matter. Sure, there were parts that made more sense once I'd read the first book, but I managed well enough. The first book is great, too, but I don't have the same attachment to it.
There are mythical races like elves, and strong link with the Arthurian legends without the need to bring King Arthur back from the dead, and magic... so much magic. What's not to love?
If anyone's looking for a gripping adventure, you can't go wrong with this book!
*** This blog comes with a caveat. Don't read the third book in the series which was written many years later for adults, and is akin to Andrew Lloyd Webber writing a rubbish sequel to Phantom of the Opera.
Alan Garner... it is amazing how all of that masterful worldbuilding can come crashing down so easily. My advice is to do what most readers of the first two books did, and pretend the third doesn't exist. ***
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