Book Beginnings on Fridays and The Friday 56

This week's book beginnings and page 56 text is another library book, Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor. It is a little bit out of my usual style, but it features Bram Stoker, so could not resist it. I have not yet read it, but review will follow.

Love the cover!

"1878: The Lyceum Theatre, London. Three extraordinary people begin their life together, a life that will be full of drama, transformation and passionate devotion to art and one another.
The Chief ... HENRY IRVING volcanic leading man and impresario
The Leading Lady ... ELLEN TERRY most lauded actress of her generation
The Theatre Manager ... BRAM STOKER following along behind them in the shadows
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 dedication 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 danger and complexity of unconventional love, the restlessness of creativity, and the experiences that led to Dracula, the most iconic supernatural tale of all time. "

Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader

Victoria Cottage Hospital,
Near Deal,
Kent.
20th February, 1908

"My dearest Ellen,
Please excuse this too-long-delayed response. As you'll gather from the above, I'm afriad I've not been too well. Money worries & the strain of overwork weakened me over this wretched winter until I broke down like an old cab-horse on the side of the road. ... 

Some of it is in a code even its maker has forgotten. I wonder what I can have been trying to hide & from whom. 

Well then, old thing - my treasured friend - it is a holy thought to imagine my words moving through your heart's heart because then something of me will be joined with something of you and we will stand in the same rain for a time under the one umbrella. ... 

Ever Your Bram.
P.S.: Like a lot of thumping good stories, it starts on a train."

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice

"'This extravagance - it's insane. I'm quite up a tree trying to understand.'  

'I might go to bed now.'

'For curtains.' 

'Why don't you come, Bram?' 

'I'll just finish up this. Be along in a minute.' 

Close to eight the following morning he awakens on the sofa. There's a note from her to say she's gone to the library. The fire in the grate is lighted but the room is cold. Raindrops on the windows cause strange shadows down the walls."