{"product_id":"the-brethren-by-robert-merle","title":"The Brethren by Robert Merle","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe first novel in the adventure-filled epic \u003ci\u003eFortunes of France\u003c\/i\u003e, one of France's best-loved historical fiction series, now translated into English for the first time\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The Périgord of 16th century France is a wild region on the edge of the reaches of royal authority. To this beautiful but dangerous country come two veterans of the French king's wars, Jean de Siorac and Jean de Sauveterre, The Brethren-as fiercely loyal to the crown as they are to their Huguenot religion.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e They make their home in the formidable chateau of Mespech, and the community they found prospers. We meet the fiery Isabelle, mistress of the castle, refusing to renounce her religious beliefs despite great pressure; the petty and meal-mouthed Francois, unlikely heir to the estate; the brave and loyal Jonas who lives in a cave and keeps a wolf as a pet; the swaggering soldier Cabusse; and the outrageously superstitious Maligou, and Sarrazine, who once roamed as part of a wild gypsy band.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e But the country is descending into chaos, plagued by religious strife, famine, pestilence, bands of robbers... and, of course, the English. The Brethren must use all their wits to protect those they love from the chaos that threatens to sweep them away.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e A sprawling, earthy tale of violence and lust, love and death, political intrigue and dazzling philosophical debate, The Brethren is the first step in an engrossing saga to rival Dumas, \u003ci\u003eFlashman\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eGame of Thrones\u003c\/i\u003e.","brand":"Pushkin Press, Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43015530971199,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0647\/8626\/8223\/files\/15413013482822.jpg?v=1773741231","url":"https:\/\/bookconnection.com.au\/products\/the-brethren-by-robert-merle","provider":"The Book Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}