City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France 2 - Fortunes of France 2 (Paperback)

A vivid novel by France's modern Dumas... [there is] plenty of evidence in the rich characterisation and vivid historical detail that a reader's long-term commitment will be amply rewarded This is old-fashioned story-telling. It has swagger and, vibrancy with big characters... A gripping story with humour and strength and real attention to historical detail Modern-day Dumas finally crosses the channel Swashbuckling historical fiction... For all its philosophical depth [The Brethren] is a hugely entertaining romp... The comparisons with Dumas seem both natural and deserved and the next 12 instalments [are] a thrilling prospect A sprawling, earthy tale of peril, love, lust, death, dazzling philosophical debate and political intrigue... an engrossing saga Historical fiction at its very best... This fast paced and heady brew is colourfully leavened with love and sex and a great deal of humour and wit. The second instalment cannot be published too soon. A master of the historical novel We're swept away by triumph, tragedy, action and adventure... It's a novel like this that makes reviewing one of the best jobs in the world. So rich in historical detail... the characters are engaging Cleverly depicts France's epic religious wars through the intimate prism of one family's experience. It's beautifully written too. A lively adventure... anyone keen on historical fiction [should] look forward to the next instalment The spectacular 13-volume evocation of 16th-17th-century France The Dumas of the twentieth century A wonderful, colourful, breathlessly narrated historical panorama Robert Merle is one of the very few French writers who has attained both popular success and the admiration of critics. The doyen of our novelists is a happy man An enjoyable read, distinguished by its author's erudition and wit Vibrant and exciting Provides breathtakingly, gloriously, with high drama and titillating intrigue the background of all that will come after... This is Dumas inspired by Rabelais and retold by Zola, with zest, bawdiness, raw emotion, irreverence and several intertwining agendas