Books matching: french aristocrat
10 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Set during the French Revolution, "The Forbidden Rose" follows the adventure romance between English spy William and aristocrat Marguerite, who is hiding in a barn after her family chateau burns down. The story unfolds with intricate details and slow reveals of plot and characters, creating a rich world inhabited by realistic and compelling characters. The book offers a mix of historical intrigue, political dynamics, and a thrilling plot that keeps readers engaged and captivated.
Her snare circled its throat. She had caught it with a line of red silk, teased and spun from the torn strip of a dress. It could not escape. Even when it heard death coming toward it through the brus...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Spymasters ) - #2
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier is a suspense thriller novel set in 1950s France, where an Englishman named John meets his double, a French aristocrat named Jean, and is forced to switch identities with him. As John navigates Jean's crumbling finances and complicated family dynamics, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayals, and conflicts that challenge his sense of identity and commitment. The story unfolds with poetic prose, compelling plot twists, and subtle character development, culminating in an uncertain denouement that mirrors the complexities of real life.
I left the car by the side of the cathedral, and then walked down the steps into the Place des Jacobins. It was still raining hard. It had not once let up since Tours, and all I had seen of the countr... - #3
The Way to the Lantern by Audrey Erskine Lindop is a historical romance novel set in Paris during the French Revolution. The story revolves around Actor Roberts, a charming rogue with a talent for seduction and petty theft, who finds himself in a dangerous situation due to his skills. The plot is filled with quirky characters, mistaken identities, and hairbreadth escapes, all against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the revolution. Lindop's writing style intricately weaves together storylines that range from romance to comedy to gut-wrenching moments, making the reader both laugh and feel deeply moved.
- #4
Ourika by Claire de Duras is a novel that tells the story of a black woman living in a racist society during the French Revolution. Raised in an aristocratic home, Ourika struggles with her sense of alienation and societal limitations. The book provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by a learned black woman in a time of slavery and oppression, offering insights into historical events like Robespierre's reign of terror.
The narrative delves into Ourika's tragic realization of her loneliness and struggles as an outsider in a white-dominated world. Despite being well-read and accomplished, Ourika faces rejection and isolation, ultimately finding solace in religion. Claire de Duras skillfully portrays the psychological strength and emotional journey of Ourika, making the reader sympathize with her plight and experience a mix of heartbreak and hope through her story.
- #5
Set in France six years before the Revolution, 'The Bookseller's Daughter' by Pam Rosenthal follows the story of Marie Laure, a well-educated book seller's daughter who becomes a maid in an aristocrat's home after her father's death. The plot revolves around her relationship with the second son of the house, Viscount Joseph d'Auvers Raimond, as they navigate love, societal expectations, and the complexities of their different backgrounds. The book captures the nuances of French society, the tensions between the aristocracy and the common people, and intertwines elements of romance, historical references, and a murder mystery.
The writing style in 'The Bookseller's Daughter' is described as having an effervescence that captures the joy of being in love and truly known. Despite a potentially slow plot, readers appreciated the joy built into the prose and the change of scenery to France, offering a refreshing break from the typical regency settings of London. The book delves into themes of independence, intelligence, and the clash between aristocratic decadence and the desire for personal fulfillment, creating a unique and engaging narrative.
- #6
The Gilded Wolves is an action-packed YA fantasy novel that follows Severin and his crew on a dangerous adventure filled with heists, diverse characters, and a mix of magic and history. The plot revolves around the group's quest, led by Severin's overall end goal, with each character having their own strengths, weaknesses, and secrets that intertwine perfectly in the story. The book features a unique world-building that blends different myths, a secret society with hidden agendas, and a hunt for ancient artifacts, all set in a lush, magical version of Paris in the 1880s.
Séverin tipped back his head. On the frescoed ceiling, dead gods fixed the crowd with flat stares. He fought not to look at the walls, but failed. The symbols of the remaining two Houses of the French... - #7
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic tale of intrigue and romance set during the French Revolution. The story follows the daring adventures of the mysterious Englishman known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, who rescues condemned individuals from the guillotine, while being pursued by a ruthless French agent. The novel is filled with espionage, suspense, and drama, all revolving around the elusive hero and his noble cause. Written in a theatrical style with outrageous intrigue, the book captures the essence of heroism and selfless acts in a time of turmoil and revolution.
The narrative unfolds through the lens of various characters, providing insights into their inner lives and motivations. The plot twists and reversals keep the reader engaged, although some find them predictable due to the book's influence on genre fiction since its publication. Despite the simplistic view of historic events and the florid writing style, The Scarlet Pimpernel remains a captivating read that offers a satisfying tale of good versus evil, heroism, and true love.
ASURGING, SEETHING, murmuring crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to the eye and ear they seem naught but savage creatures, animated by vile passions and by the lust of vengeance and of h... - #8
'The Making of a Gentleman' in the series 'The Sons of the Revolution' by author Shana Galen follows the story of Armand, a young man traumatized by the French Revolution, who struggles with communication and memories of his past. Felicity is hired to help him learn proper behavior and speech. As their relationship develops, Armand's journey towards recovery through music and Felicity's patience is highlighted, while facing obstacles and mysteries from the past. The story is filled with suspense, passion, and historical elements, creating a compelling narrative of love and redemption.
Eleven-year-old Armand Harcourt, the comte de Valère, should have been asleep. He was well aware nothing incited his nanny’s wrath more than when she looked in on him late at night and found him still... - #9
Night Fires by Karen Harbaugh is a historical spy romance novel set during the French Revolution. The story follows Simone de la Fer, a vampire committed to helping people escape unjust persecution. She forms an alliance with an English spy named Michael Corday, and together they embark on a dangerously erotic mission to right a terrible wrong. The book delves into the deep emotions of the characters, portraying Simone as a pious yet dangerous heroine and Corday as an enigmatic assassin with a single-minded purpose. The author, Karen Harbaugh, slowly peels back the layers of the lead characters, revealing their complexities in an atmosphere of tension and suspicion.
The glass clear again, he stared out of it, watching the city awaken with a shivering, hesitant movement. Bakery boys' feet slipped on the wet cobblestones, and the voices of tradesmen shook or groane... - #10
In the late eighteenth century, 'The Red Necklace' by Sally Gardner follows the intertwined fates of Sido, the unloved daughter of an aristocrat, and Yann, a gypsy orphan with magical abilities, against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The story weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, capturing the essence of the era while exploring themes of class divide, rebellion, and survival. Gardner's writing style combines vivid descriptions, memorable characters, and a touch of magic to create a captivating tale that transports readers to a tumultuous period in history.
'The Red Necklace' delves into the lives of Sido and Yann as they navigate through the dangers and intrigues of pre-revolutionary France, facing a common enemy and discovering the power of love and courage amidst chaos and uncertainty. The book skillfully blends elements of mystery, suspense, and bravery, with a touch of magic and deceit, as the characters embark on a perilous journey that tests their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Here, then, is where our story starts, in a run-down theater on the rue du Temple, with a boy called Yann Margoza, who was born with a gift for knowing what people were thinking, and an uncanny abilit...