What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
1865
Translated by George Burnham Ives
A historical novel set in the early 17th century, during a time marked by intrigue and shifting political allegiances in France. The narrative primarily follows Sciarra d'Alvimar, a witty and charming Spaniard who finds himself entangled in courtly struggles and personal dilemmas after the fall of his patron, Concini. As the story unfolds, themes of ambition, identity, and the quest for belonging emerge, placed against a backdrop of social and religious tensions. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sciarra d'Alvimar, a young man of Italian origin navigating the intricate court life under the Regent Marie de Médicis. Despite his talents and wit, he struggles to make a significant impact at court, largely due to his staunch Catholic beliefs and the political turmoil surrounding him. After being forced to flee following a duel because of his connection to the former favorite, Concini, he seeks refuge with the amiable Guillaume d'Ars. In their journey toward the château of Briantes, Sciarra learns about the enigmatic marquis, Bois-Doré, and the strange dynamics of his household. The opening chapters hint at the character's deeper conflicts and the intricate relationships that will unfold as he interacts with the marquis’s family and others in the provincial society.
