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Reviews "Curren's 'Love, above the reach of time' {is written}
in the contemporary British idiom of 200 years ago. The book came
from (Curren's) interest in lesbian literature and the age of romantic
feminism. Curren isn't being modest when she says it wasn't difficult
for her to write. {This is) her first attempt at fiction after success
writing medical books." "This tale eludes the erotica most lesbian writers focus
on, (and) makes 'Love, above the reach of time' unique. From
joy to tears, this book embraced me with every emotional thread
of my soul." "Long before Ellen DeGeneres and Anne Heche were gossip
fodder, two Irish women made headlines of their own. 'Love, above
the reach of time' outlines the romantic relationship between
Lady Eleanor Butler and The Honorable Miss Sarah Ponsonby, known
as The Ladies of Llangollen." "Love, above the reach of time" celebrates
an unusual romance. Created as a screenplay and retaining that format,
(it) is supplemented by color photographs and a nonfiction account
of the relationship between Lady Eleanor Butler and the Honorable
Sarah Ponsonby." "A charming book... 'Love' is divided into two sections:
a historically accurate account and Anna Curren's intriguing screenplay
of a love that dared not speak its name. A lovely gift for the gay
historian or romantic in your life." "Curren's take on this historical, 50-year relationship
offers a captivating read and gives a good sense of the social climate
(of the period)." Here's a gem of an undiscovered little love story – between
two Eighteenth Century ladies who eloped to Wales and won the hearts
of everyone from the Duke of Wellington (who defeated Napoleon)
to Charles Darwin (who is imagined to have been a bright little
boy). Not your typical fare, it is written in the form of
a screenplay, based (very loosely) on a true story . . . and when
the movie1s over, the author, Anna M. Curren, circles back around
to let you know what is historical fact and what was made up –
with pictures! A "Top Ten" Advocate 2001 Christmas pick! "Curren's wonderful tale is ... well worth the read. (Her) style takes the reader back in time, with a keen grasp of British vernacular and customs, as well as a sharp feminist analysis of the period in which the novel is based. She introduces the tale as if she were the narrator of a magnificent script (which she is), heady with gossip and dripping with scandal. The novel is set in dialogue form, easy enough to breeze through
for an enjoyable trip to the past. Curren's ability to capture the
women's love in dialogue form is remarkable." "Love, above the reach of time ... makes thrilling
reading." "A splendidly designed book. We anticipate a review." - Robert Starner, Managing Editor, Llambda Book Report "A beautifully designed book ... wonderfully written..." John Shelby Spong Anna M. Curren, in a brilliant book based on a well documented and highly researched period of history, has chronicled the 50 year love affair of the 18th century "Ladies of Llangollen:" Lady Eleanor Butler and the Honorable Miss Sarah Ponsonby. "Love, above the reach of time" tells a beautiful story of lesbian love that is faithful, indomitable, and passionate. It also describes the way these two women moved in the upper circles of English nobility, with friends such as the Duke of Wellington. Under the power of Anna's talented pen we enter places that many
once viewed with negativity. There we discover, to our delight,
nothing but life and love. Her story, while rooted in the past,
is powerfully contemporary. She celebrates the fact that in our
generation the time has come when the whole of society can finally
listen to, learn about, and even rejoice in the presence of love
wherever it issues in life. The invitation to do just that may be
Ms. Curren's greatest gift to each of us. Readers of this book may survey their own memories, and find hidden
there people they have known and loved who did not quite fit the
conventional norm. People (who) were important to us... who seemed
different or unique. Curren has filled in our blanks and helped
us to move beyond prejudice and passive acceptance (of gays and
lesbians) into the celebration of those who have so often enriched
us. Gay and lesbian people are part of our lives. Now they can be part of our conscious love. It is a tremendous step forward. For that we thank Ms. Curren. |
