Little Duke

Richard of Normandy becomes Duke at eight years old, his childhood stolen by a father's murder and the weight of an inheritance he is too young to understand. Charlotte M. Yonge transforms the true story of Richard the Fearless into a gripping tale of a boy forced to navigate treacherous medieval politics where allies become enemies and trust is a luxury he cannot afford. The young duke must grow wise beyond his years to survive the court that destroyed his father, facing betrayals, exiles, and the constant threat of assassination while still being a child who loves to play. First published as a serial in Yonge's magazine The Monthly Packet, this historical novel combines meticulous research with moral seriousness, examining how power shapes a young life and what it means to lead with honor when everyone around you schemes for your downfall. The story endures because it captures something universal: the challenge of holding onto goodness in a corrupt world, and the resilience required to reclaim what has been stolen from you.