De Roode Pimpernel

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story revolves around the enigmatic hero known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, who masterfully aids aristocrats seeking to escape the guillotine. The central figures include the daring Scarlet Pimpernel himself and his wife, Lady Blakeney, as they navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue. At the start of the novel, we are thrust into the chaotic atmosphere of Paris in September 1792, where the guillotine is wreaking havoc on supposed traitors to the Revolution. The narrative opens with a vivid description of a frenzied crowd eager to witness the executions of aristocrats, driven by revenge and hatred. We meet Sergeant Bibot, a diligent guard at one of the barricades, who prides himself on catching fleeing nobles attempting to escape. Whispers of a mysterious Englishman, the Scarlet Pimpernel, who has been rescuing these aristocrats, begin to circulate. As tensions rise, a sense of foreboding sets in, particularly when Bibot learns that one of his recent catches may have slipped through his grasp due to the cleverness of the elusive Pimpernel. This opening sets the stage for a gripping tale of heroism and cunning in the face of perilous times.