A Strange Beginning by Gretta Curran Browne is book 1 of a seven-book series on the life of Lord Byron in which details the humble beginnings of one of England’s most famous poets. The story opens with a 10-year-old George Gordon who lives with his widowed mother and her maid. An avid reader and highly intelligent, young George thrived at school and was miserable at home. Until one day, his whole world would change. He would learn that everything he thought he knew about himself was a lie. He wasn’t a Gordon, he wasn’t poor. Soon a life of wealth and privilege would claim his life and would give him the opportunity to prove his worth on his terms. Covering Lord Byron from the age of 10 into his 20s, A Strange Beginning takes a deeper look into this iconic man.
A Strange Beginning is presented as a historical fiction, but it is more a fictionalized biography as the book’s description claims, “this is the true and meticulously researched story” and “ignoring all the old and unproven rumors and sensational scandals fabricated” at the time. I am familiar with Lord Byron’s poetry but was unaware of his personal life. I started it with interest as the opening pages were beautifully written but soon turned sour. Chapter after chapter, I lost interest. While I enjoyed reading about the events which would inspire his early poetry, the story was often dull and tedious. I don’t see myself continuing the series. However, if you are a fan of Lord Byron’s poetry, you might enjoy and find A Strange Beginning as well as the rest of the series, an interesting look into his life.
A Strange
Beginning is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook
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