The Gentleman Poet
by Kathryn Johnson
A novel of
love, danger, and
Shakespeare’s
“The Tempest”
September 7, 2010
Publisher: Avon
ISBN-10: 0061965316
ISBN-13:978-0061965319
Many scholars believe one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, The Tempest, was inspired by a shipwreck and true tale of survival that captured the imagination of 17th-century London. But what if the greatest playwright of all time didn’t simply read about the wreck of the Sea Venture off the Bermuda coast? What if Will was on board, fleeing powerful enemies,
daring one last great adventure near the troubled end of his career?
Elizabeth Persons’ blinding headaches are an ominous sign, one she knows well as a warning of danger. The young servant girl is one of 150 passengers who survive a terrifying hurricane then struggle ashore in the Bermudas, rumored home to evil spirits. Despairing of rescue, Elizabeth and the others make their home on the uninhabited island for nine long months while they build a new ship to complete their voyage to Jamestown, Virginia. While there, love blossoms between Elizabeth and the young ship’s cook, and she befriends a mysterious old man.
Kathryn Johnson’s dramatic and compelling story, The Gentleman Poet is a page-turning read that will hold her audience to the very end. This mesmerizing novel is also a celebration of good food, glorious words, and the power of love, while bringing readers an intriguing glimpse of arguably the most famous writer of all time.
“The Gentleman Poet is the best kind of historical novel—well researched, beautifully written and wildly entertaining.”
— Daniel Stashower, author of The Beautiful Cigar Girl, and Edgar Award winning Teller of Tales
“Kathryn Johnson weaves a marvelously original story that combines history, adventure, and a young woman’s growth to produce a rich and atmospheric tale The Gentleman Poet took me to a time and place that were new to me, and gave me wonderful companions to share my journey!”
Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of Never Less Than a Lady