When Europa Rode the Bull - Softcover

Berot, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0974889903 ISBN 13: 9780974889900

Publisher: Streetcar Books, 2004

Synopsis

When Europa Rode the Bull is an erotic tale of betrayal and loss that spans two decades and traverses two continents. It is a suspenseful, often heartbreaking story that explores the mercurial nature of love and commitment, and what can happen when a man and a woman married to other people rediscover the abiding passion of their lives.

About this title

About the Author

In the spring of 1972, Barbara Berot embarked upon a five month European odyssey. It began in Scotland with the purchase of a 1963 Norton Motorcycle and ended with the motorcycle's demise in the French Pyrenees. That adventure, which was alternately wondrous and terrifying, inspired this debut novel. Barbara earned her Bachelor's Degree as well as an award in English from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, and has had a long career as a registered nurse. She currently resides with her husband and son in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

From the Inside Flap

The Myth
Zeus s voracious sexual appetite was matched only by
his wife s appetite for revenge,which she frequently wielded
on his lovers. But his passion for the mortal Europa would
not be denied, and he would find a way to shield her from
Hera s wrath.
The beautiful daughter of the King of Sidon, Europa
awoke early one morning from a disturbing dream; two
continents, each in the shape of a woman, were trying to
possess her. Rather than return to sleep, Europa roused
her friends, all fair maidens of noble birth, and together
they walked to the sea. Zeus watched admiringly from his
vantage point at Olympus, while the girls gathered the
fragrant flowers that carpeted the spring meadow. But it
was Europa who most profoundly captured his attention,
for although the others were lovely, she was as Aphrodite
to the sister Graces. And while he reveled in the joy of
beholding her, the mischievous Eros sent an arrow straight
for his heart.
So that Hera would not know of his desire, Zeus disguised
himself as a bull a chestnut bull with horns like
crescent moons, whose scent was sweeter than the hyacinth
that bloomed in the meadow. Europa was enchanted by his
comeliness and gentle nature and as she approached him,
he bowed low before her. She fashioned a garland from her
flowers and laid it upon him, then climbed onto his back.To
the astonishment of her friends, the magnificent creature
leaped into the air and over the sea, as though he was possessed
of wings. Europa cried out in terror but he gently
reassured her, confessing that he was the mighty Zeus and
everything he did was for love of her. He carried her to the
island of Crete where he ravished her and gave her his three
sons to carry.
Europa later married Asterius, the king of Crete, who
cherished her and adopted her sons. But Zeus loved her
always, and throughout her life she remained a favorite of
the father of gods and men.
* * *
Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul;
Love is the only angel who can bid the gates unroll;
And when he comes to call thee, arise and follow fast;
His way may lie through darkness,
but it leads to light at last.
Henry Van Dyke, The Prison and the Angel
iv When Europa Rode the Bull
Acknowledgments
Writing is such a lonely and frustrating occupation.
Many days the task seemed so mammoth, I might have
chucked my computer in the pond. But angels of inspiration
were hovering about me, guiding and buoying me,
lifting me through to the end. To these special people, I
will always be grateful. And while it is impossible to
acknowledge everyone who helped me, I will make special
mention of the more involved.
Early on there was Maryann Bérot, to whom I sent
each chapter as it was completed. Her urgent messages of,
"When are you sending the next one, you re not going to
make me wait, are you?" infused me with confidence.
And there was the sound advice of James Rahn, who
also provided entrée to Sheila Dolan. Despite seeing my
manuscript at its raw and rambling worst, she did not
flinch, but rather approached it with skill and patience.
But for her critical guidance, I might still be in search of
a story.
Then came Sarah Farnsworth, whose intelligent editorial
assistance was just what my characters needed,
and Helene Mathern, whose friendship and enthusiasm
for the novel nurtured me through the painful editing
process. The team at BookMasters was exceptionally
helpful. I thank Anne Clarke for her fine copyediting and
Kristen Butler for her skillful management of the overall
project.
My family and friends were an ongoing source of encouragement,
and there were generous strangers along the way,
such as the Mumfords in St.Andrews, Betty in Oxford, and
Malcolm in Kilmartin.
My son Alexis was there throughout, prodding me
with "When are you going to finish that book?" His loving
and forgiving nature has been a mother s blessing, and his
insightful humor has helped me to laugh my way through
the bleakest, most discouraging days.
My husband and ardent supporter, the steadfast Robbie,
never failed me; his unconditional love has given me license
to be myself and chase my dreams.
But perhaps most important of all was my stepfather,
a founding member and vice president of the hay-chewers
club. His belief in me was a gift, one that allowed me to
see myself as unique and capable, even lovable. He was
my archangel, the man who delivered us all from the
bonds of mediocrity; without him, I shudder to think.
This is for you, Pop. I miss you.
* * *
For Frederick James Digby
(1919 1993)

Edition details

• Publisher: Streetcar Books
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0974889903
• ISBN 13: 9780974889900
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 664