Review from Goodreads: 1878 - The Lyceum Theatre, London. Three extraordinary people begin their life together, a life that will be full of drama, transformation, passionate and painful devotion to art and to one another. Henry Irving, the Chief, is the volcanic leading man and impresario; Ellen Terry is the most lauded and desired actress of her generation, outspoken and generous of heart; and ever following along behind them in the shadows is the unremarkable theatre manager, Bram Stoker. Fresh from life in Dublin as a clerk, Bram may seem the least colourful of the trio but he is wrestling with dark demons in a new city, in a new marriage, and with his own literary aspirations. As he walks the London streets at night, streets haunted by the Ripper and the gossip which swirls around his friend Oscar Wilde, he finds new inspiration. But the Chief is determined that nothing will get in the way of his manager?s devotion to the Lyceum and to himself. And both men are enchanted by the beauty and boldness of the elusive Ellen. This exceptional novel explores the complexities of love that stands dangerously outside social convention, the restlessness of creativity, and the experiences that led to Dracula, the most iconic supernatural tale of all time.
But what did we think of it? On the whole most of us couldn't get past the over flowery writing, the descriptive text was too much to digest and got in the way of the characters and story. Many didn't finish the book, perhaps too much for a holiday read. Those who know the theatre loved the descriptions and insight into Victorian la la land, but not enough to enjoy the book.
Marks out of 10: 4 - 5 so not high
Words used to describe it: interesting historically, camp, overwritten
Next book
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Next meeting:
Friday 20th September at 127 Harbord St
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