Geniality (The Equilibrist Series Vol.II )
Geniality
(The Equilibrist Series Vol.II)
Synopsis
In this spellbinding sequel, art and poetry are weaved into professor Erasmus Cromwell-Smith's memorable recollection of his life's story. Once more, deviating from the curriculum, he takes his students back to the passionate period in time when, while studying at Harvard, he lived together with the love of his life, Victoria Emerson-Lloyd. The young couple meets book antiquarians throughout New England who become lifelong mentors, sharing with the young couple ancient writings, filled with timeless wisdom and magic.
May 15, 2019
Erasmus Press.
“…This magnificent literary creation is a work of art. It is like someone has written the language of my soul. The poems were the stepping-stones and the story of the professor is what linked them together. The book stories were the portals, then the poems transported me to places deep, deep inside. This little great book touched me emotionally everywhere. For me it was like an inspirational box of chocolates. The love story is one we can all relate to as love is a two-sided coin and its balance rests on the edge. This book will connect with both serious, casual readers and everyone in general, even the youngest. I predict the equilibrist will become an American literary classic and it is my appreciation as a teacher, that it will become mandatory reading at the high-school level…”
“…This book is a jewel and a masterpiece. The story is a treasure trove of art and poetry, presented through poetic installments weaved with a thrilling story. It describes the nurturing of personal and interpersonal relationships. It touches the very soul of our emotions while causes introspection of our own existence. From the beginning, I felt this intense emotional connection with the story and was quickly lost for hours at a time reflecting on each sentence profoundness and wisdom. Then, every time I went back to it, I found myself reading the prior ten pages over and over again…”
Erasmus Cromwell-Smith II’s engaging literary tale The Equilibrist II (Geniality) provides a triumphant return to the halls of academia, where once again a beloved professor shares inspirational lectures filled with stories, poetry, and life lessons that ultimately reveal the omnipotent power of true love.
In this charming sequel, the rumpled, scholarly Brit Erasmus, who mesmerized students at a prestigious New England educational institution with existential wisdom absorbed from his childhood mentors, now is blissfully reunited with his college love, Victoria, who left him 40 years ago. This semester, he chooses to impart life lessons by revisiting the memorable early years of their budding relationship. “He wears the look of love” epitomizes the student commentary about Erasmus’ sudden transformation by this woman from his past.
From the auditorium venue to the couple’s shared campus home—complete with morning tea, Chesterfields, and the music of Ella and Armstrong—the atmosphere exudes an Old-World feel. Often the couple’s intimate conversations inspire daily class addresses that weave poetic musings and recollections ignited by new friendships the couple has made throughout New England. Topics include gratitude, doubt, inner genius, sacrifice, and an artful circus analogy about mastering our individual performances in the big scheme of life.
Throughout, the dialogue is clear and easily accessible, although some conversations reflect the characters’ formality and decorum, as when Victoria responds to a poem she receives from Erasmus: “There is profound beauty and addictive wizardry in your words, my love.” The story moves easily between current times and the ’70s. Chapter headings and subtitles provide quick references. From New England to New York, with visits to bookshops, French boulangeries and rowing on the Charles River, the steady change ups provide fluidity and interest.
While some may be averse to the story’s slight “Hallmark” bliss, at its core this is a magical work that recognizes the great possibility of life’s second chances. Those who appreciate such universal musings should seize the moment for this delightful read.