The Honey Siege

by Gil Buhet

Casteilcorbon is normally just a quiet little village dreaming lazily in the sun beneath its castle in the Languedoc near the French Pyrenean border. It was quite unprepared for the dramatic events which followed the village schoolmaster's discovery that his honey had been stolen. He suspected one of his pupils of the crime. When no one confessed, he retaliated, even against his own son, by cancelling the school holiday. But you cannot impose unjustified punishment on a spirited gang of boys without provoking rebellion. They formed the 'Sacred Band of Blood and Freedom'; they occupied the castle and formed alliances with the villagers. The ensuing feud provided a sensation for the local, and even the national papers.

With its exciting plot set against the leisurely humorous background of French village life, this novel presents a children's world to adults. And yet, because it lacks that sentimentality which the adventures of youth seen by older people often acquire, it can equally well be enjoyed by children - indeed it is being televised as a children's serial.

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heartwarming story about children acting as knights which gets out of hand. Great characterisations of both adults and children, with a lighthearted and whimsical atmosphere. Loads of fun.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book at a second-hand shop purely because I liked the title. It was a cute summer read: a wholesome, fun story with surprisingly well-developed characters.