The author of The Star of the Sea discusses his new novel. 1878: the Lyceum Theatre, London. Three extraordinary people begin their life together, a life that will be full of drama, transformation, passionate and painful devotion to art and to one another. Henry Irving, the Chief, is the volcanic leading man and impresario; Ellen Terry is the most lauded and desired actress of her generation, outspoken and generous of heart; and ever following along behind them in the shadows is the unremarkable theatre manager, Bram Stoker. O’Connor explores the complexities of love that stands dangerously outside social convention, the restlessness of creativity and the experiences that led to Dracula, the most iconic supernatural tale of all time.