Magic In Life (The Equilibrist Series Vol.III )

Erasmus Cromwell-Smith II’s engaging literary tale The Equilibrist II (Geniality) provides a triumphant return to the halls of academia, where on

In this third installment of the charmingly engaging Equilibrist series, beloved professor Erasmus Cromwell-Smith returns to the Cambridge lecture hall to regale his students with treasured stories, memories, and ancient scribbles that showcase a life’s pursuit of happiness and the ultimate joy he’s found in reuniting with the love of his life. Here, the focus is on the years Erasmus and his college paramour Victoria spent apart, and the reasons behind her sudden departure.

The narrative alternates fluidly between past and present. Whether watching a sunrise at a Nantucket beach or reclining in the comfort of their campus home, complete with Chesterfields, hot tea, and the melodious strains of Michel Legrand in the background, the detailed settings spark conversations about when Erasmus and Victoria were separated. The expressive dialogue, often including affectionate addresses of “My lady” or “My Brit,” captures the loving demeanor of this cultured pair.

Trying to extinguish the guilt of her past exit, Victoria reveals her manipulation into a loveless marriage with a “mind doctor” nearly 30 years her senior. Meanwhile, Erasmus has travelled, written books, and entertained his own discreet relationships. The couple’s conversations prove the impetus for Erasmus’ current classroom lectures, with topics ranging from adversity, resilience, forgiveness, reciprocity, inspiration, and joy.

Victoria’s children join the character mix as a new generation with their own aspirations. A surprise revelation connected to Erasmus’ post-college European travels, and an even more shocking current event impacting Erasmus and Victoria’s future, help satisfy readers’ investment into these characters’ lives.

While this work can stand alone, there’s a certain comfort of familiarity in experiencing the collection as a whole, and this latest release allows an entertaining way to see where life has taken these memorable characters. While the modern-day fairytale essence may be too auspicious for some, those open to the magic of life’s possibilities will surely find this enjoyable reading.

ce 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.