I couldn't actually find the edition I read...but I loved this book. Find it read it you won't regret it. High adventure, romance, intrigue, betrayal....moreI couldn't actually find the edition I read...but I loved this book. Find it read it you won't regret it. High adventure, romance, intrigue, betrayal.... So buckle on you swash and sally forth.
Set in the midst of the French revolution this is a very satisfying "high adventure" of swordplay and romance... (of course it's by Sabatini, what else should we expect?)
Enjoy.
***UPDATE****
I just reread this...again. I've read it several times and like it immensely, it rates among my favorite novels.
I'm also a fan of Rafael Sabatini. He was an incredibly prolific writer who for most of his life wrote at the rate of a book a year. He's probably best know today for this books, Captain Blood, The Sea-Hawk and to a slightly lesser extent The Black Swan because of the movies based on or by the same titles as these books. It can be difficult to track down other of his titles but on the whole he is a reliable writer.
I like this book especially (of course I haven't read all his books but I live in hope). There is a movie based on this novel, and it's a good movie. It's not really the same story as the novel though it is loosely based on it.
Here is a story that has a nice intricate plot line, it's got depth, humor and a action. Set in (during) the French Revolution we follow Andre-Louis Moreau who has been cared for raised and schooled by his godfather. Everyone assumes he's the "by-blow" of some member of the gentry (the assumption is it's probably his godfather M. de Kercadiou though not by Moreau). His life follows a path he himself never would have planed or expected. After his best friend is slain in a set up duel (his friend has no knowledge of the sword while the man who kills him is a master) Andre is drawn from his more or less shallow life into the political life that had cost his friend his life. Holding his best friend's body he swears vengeance.
From there the lives of Andre and the man who slew his friend are strangely entwined. Constantly crossing and recrossing one another's path they are each like the Nemesis of the other.
As noted I've read this many times and the twists are no longer surprises to me but the storytelling, the sardonic humor and the depth of the story still keep it fresh for me.
This complets Waylander's story and is a great read. For me a lot of insight into human actions and reactions can be drawn form Gemmell's works. Highl...moreThis complets Waylander's story and is a great read. For me a lot of insight into human actions and reactions can be drawn form Gemmell's works. Highly recommended.(less)
This rates possibly as my favorite novel. It has no down side. Wonderfully written, amazing characters (based on reality), and marvelously readable.
A...moreThis rates possibly as my favorite novel. It has no down side. Wonderfully written, amazing characters (based on reality), and marvelously readable.
A side issue, I can at times hate preachy, self righteous, or PC books. This book carries it’s moral compass proudly and does it well. Atticus Finch, is in many ways the man I wish I was.
I love this book and could not tell you how many times I’ve read it. Don't miss this book...for whatever reason. This is THE AMERICAN NOVEL.
Update: 5/30/2012
Read and reread this novel succeeds and needs to be recommended on so many levels that it's hard to limit anything said in specifics to a manageable size for a review. Above I simply said great, don't miss it.
From the relationship of child to child to the relationship of child to father this is a stunning read. Of course the matters of racial hate will be front and center to any reader who picks the novel up. It gives a look at the world as it was in America not so very long ago. It gives us a picture of those who actually do view all people as equals and how this inspires hostility, anger, acrimony and (as noted) hatred from the people too weak, stupid and ignorant to understand this.
Scout's experience in school reminds me a bit of the way school was when I began. I grew up on a farm and we had for a long time very little money, yet still it wasn't like the depression. This book is great on so many levels it must rank as one of the best even greatest novels of all time.
Again I recommend, don't miss it, revel in it. Take time to absorb it, experience it. Five stars + and the highest recommendation I can give. (less)
Mike (the Paladin)
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