Nicolette: a tale of old Provence

"Nicolette: A Tale of Old Provence" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book sets the stage in the enchanting backdrop of Provence, focusing on the themes of faded glory and the interplay of social class. It introduces Nicolette, a young girl whose family history intertwines with that of the declining noble house of the Comtes de Ventadour, especially through her bond with the boy Bertrand, also known affectionately as Tan-tan. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of a ruined château that once belonged to the proud seigneurs de Ventadour, now a mere shadow of its former self. It introduces the childhood adventures of Nicolette and her playmate Tan-tan, weaving together their imaginative escapades and rich heritage. However, the narrative also hints at the broader socio-economic struggles that define their lives, as the once-great family grapples with poverty. Through a blend of nostalgia and youthful innocence, the beginning establishes an emotional foundation, hinting at the complexities of class and identity that will unfold as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Baroness Emma Orczy, usually known as Baroness Orczy or to her family and friends as Emmuska Orczy, was a Hungarian-born British novelist and playwright. She is best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, the alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English fop who turns into a quick-thinking escape artist in order to save French aristocrats from "Madame Guillotine" during the French Revolution, establishing the "hero with a secret identity" in popular culture.