Myrlin A. Hermes
A Book Review – The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet…
The LUNATIC, the LOVER, and the POET
Shakespeare Turned Topsy-Turvy
A Novel
I was intrigued with Myrlin Hermes’ new novel, The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet, so I bought it. (I am fascinated with books based on a prior literary work, but expanded into its own story, and this one did not disappoint!)
Although I took an AP Shakespeare course in high school and read many of his plays, I am not an English Lit major, nor do I have an MFA in Creative Writing. I am also not a professional book reviewer. And although I am myself a writer, I am basically an average woman with an average life. But I wanted to comment on this book.
It is a fictional tale of the relationship between Horatio and Prince Hamlet. I must admit I had to refresh my memory with the historical background of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but then I jumped right into the story.
The book was very well written – it was witty, and creative. When reading it, you truly feel as if you are participating in that piece of history. Hermes did an excellent job of using the language of the time period. I almost expected one of the characters to appear at my side any minute.
Most of the novel was written from Horatio’s point of view, and Hermes has made him a likeable, believable character with whom we can easily empathize. The plot of the book is very interesting, containing creative twists and turns. It revolves around love and devotion, and of course – romance and eroticism. What more can you ask for?
Bottom line – Read the book!
To find out more about the book, and the author, visit Myrlin Hermes’ website . She is a truly creative and interesting person, in more ways than just writing books. And if you want to go ahead and purchase, here is the Amazon listing.
OK – As Promised….The Dollar Store Wedding Gown…
Look What You Can Do With $10 Worth of Dollar-Store Stuff:
Look closely at the dress. Can you tell what materials Myrlin used? I think this is the coolest of the cool – a test of the imagination! Check this post to read about how Myrlin went about this project, and what she used.
Oh, BTW, Myrlin also sent me another cool link to check out her book – a “browse-inside” feature at the Harper Collins website that will allow you to read the first 2.5 chapters of The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet.
See below for more views of the dress.
Have fun!
How Creative Can One Person Be?
I recently met a woman online who has apparently been blessed with the creative gene from head to toe. Myrlin Ambrosia Hermes (and she says Yes, that is her real name) has written a novel based on the premise that Hamlet was gay. Shakespeare Gone Topsy-Turvy as she calls it. The book was just released from Harper Perennial on Tuesday – I’ve ordered my copy but haven’t received it yet. (it was on sale at Amazon, BTW).
Anyway, I became aware of her through her Guest Blog Post on a well-known literary agent’s blog. Her post was one of the best, and most helpful, posts I’ve ever read. She explained clearly and very informatively about how to make your own video trailer for marketing, without spending much money and without really knowing what you’re doing. (Check out her trailer here). I’ve made a video trailer for Is Harvey Dunne?, and the process was pretty brutal. I wish I’d had her suggestions before I made mine (I don’t know how I didn’t find the free sites she did!).
In addition, when I visited her website, I saw that she is apparently a very good seamstress as well. She went to a literary ball, and made her dress a walking advertisement. Her skirt was made of pages from her book, and the waistline was circled by copies of the cover. Her bodice displayed the words take a page from my book. Then people could just pluck a sample from her skirt. Now how creative is that? Very cool.
In addition, she’d apparently been watching a reality show about making gowns out of paper, and decided to try an experiment – she would make a bridal gown solely from items she’d purchased from the dollar store. Impossible, you say?? Think again. I didn’t realize I was looking at dollar store material until I zoomed in for a closer inspection. (Note: I tried to locate the pic on her site, but I think she may have removed it. I’ll ask her about it, and if I get it, I’ll post a picture). Creativity just piled upon creativity.
To top it off, I emailed Myrlin, and she sent me a long email in reply. Friendly and talented – you can’t beat that!
Link to her book at Amazon.
Link to her book at Barnes & Noble.
