Set in the 1600’s,
this fictional story is based on real historical characters that are first in the lineage
of Davy Crockett. Ms. Cary is also a direct descendant of Davy Crockett, so it’s a
story of her ancestors. I found that information fascinating, but wondered which events
really happened and which were products of Ms. Cary’s imagination. THE HUGUENOT
contrasts the wealthy world of Versailles against the poverty of the surrounding area and
how the residents relied on the King to survive.
Antoine Desaure
Permonette de Crocketagne is a palace guard, second in command to King Louis XIV at
Versailles, France. Antoine is upset when he learns that the king has assigned him to
escort Louis’ young cousin. Expecting the cousin to be a child, Antoine is surprised
to find Louise de Saix is a beautiful woman. But King Louis XIV is also asking Antoine to
watch Louise carefully. He believes she might be a spy for the Huguenots. She has been
caught writing letters to Matthew Maury, a Huguenot with a price on his head. Antoine finds it difficult to believe someone as
beautiful as Louise might be a spy--but the evidence against her is piling up.
Louise de Saix is a
companion to Tante Marie du Sine. While they are visiting His Majesty in Versailles,
Louise has been relieved of her duties as companion. She is free to spend a lot of time in
the very handsome Antoine’s company. While Louise enjoys her time at the palace, she
is also making enemies. Someone is trying to get rid of her. Who? And why?
King Henry’s
favorite, the Marquise de Montespan, takes an instant dislike to Louise. She is afraid the
king will lose interest in her and fall in love with his cousin. After all, that is how
the Marquise won King Henry’s favor; she wooed him away from his wife.
But now the Queen
is coming back on the scene too. THE HUGUENOT is woven with interesting characters, both
real and imaginary. Ms. Cary includes a cast of characters at the end of the book so the
reader will know which historical figures were real and which were made-up.
THE HUGUENOT has
some point of view errors and other mistakes that will need to be overlooked. Ms. Cary is
talented and able to draw the reader into the story. I couldn’t help crying during
parts of THE HUGUENOT. While THE HUGUENOT’s price is a bit steep, this is a book
history lovers are sure to enjoy. Pick up a copy today! $19.95. 187 pages.
Reviewed by Laura
V. Hilton for The Road to Romance
November 24, 2003
|
