Emily Dickinson: Goddess of the Volcano: A Biographical Novel - Softcover

Lala-Crist, Despina

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1470147092 ISBN 13: 9781470147099

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

Emily Dickinson: Goddess of the Volcano is a biographical novel (460 pages) by the noted Greek writer, Despina Lala Crist, translated by Professor Robert Crist. The first chapter of the book, Love and Poetry, establishes the theme of the work. The writer plunges into the poet’s mind and soul. With passionate Greek energy, she enters the life of the Homestead, and nothing escapes her observation. She scrutinizes Emily, her family, and friends. She renders the inner thoughts and passions of her beloved poet; she intensely probes everything about the complicated family, and for the first time she opens to full view the feelings of Susan Gilbert Dickinson. Was she indeed the beloved of the Poet? Who loved more – Emily or Susan ? And who was truly the most dramatic figure in the cyclone of forbidden passions? «My business is to love,» the poet exclaims, and her desires and longings explode in the human wheel of Anguish and Ecstasy. «Love and Death – is there anything else, please tell me.» There was much to mourn, but «Life is Ecstasy» – so much to celebrate in moments of great inspiration. Dickinson’s path from Blank to Blank is the arresting experience of this rare human being. Her dynamic creative psyche is the Goddess who rules her life, and the hundreds of poems introduced by the writer verify the truth of this dynamic spiritual biography. The many illustrations by Ave George Ionnidis, a young admirer of Emily Dickinson, born in Russia of Greek descent, points up the universality of her existence and writings. Emily Dickinson – Goddess of the Volcano, who is seemingly «dormant» within her room, is a force who has the power to bring transcendence to readers, raising them to the height of being.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

A series of linked passions runs through the famed poet’s life in this fictionalized biography. Initially, this book seems to be far stranger than it really is: The title suggests a persona and possibly even a locale far outside how readers usually perceive the Belle of Amherst, and the opening chapters include supernatural meetings between the narrator and members of the Dickinson family. But before too long, the book settles down into a readable, portrait of the artist’s life and loves. As such, it may appeal particularly to fans of her poetry ... Lala-Crist literally inserts herself as narrator into the action of her novel. It’s clear with every line that she profoundly reveres Dickinson and feels a connection with her that transcends space and time—an intriguing idea, ... the most significant contribution here is the splicing together of Dickinson’s poetry and her biography, an approach missing, for instance, (in other works) ... Thanks to Lala-Crist’s empathetic portrayal, the presentation of this odd decision (her withdrawal from society) as gradual and organic—as opposed to a fit of passion precipitated by a dramatic event—rings true. A highly personal view of Dickinson’s words and spirit that will find an appreciative audience among the poet’s kindred spirits.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1470147092
• ISBN 13: 9781470147099
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 458