Jacques Bonneval; Or, The Days of the Dragonnades

"Jacques Bonneval; Or, The Days of the Dragonnades" by Anne Manning is a historical novel set in the late 17th century. The narrative revolves around Jacques Bonneval, a young man who embarks on an exciting journey to the Fair of Beaucaire with his family, amidst the backdrop of intense religious persecution faced by Protestants in France, known as the Dragonnades. It highlights the challenges and moral dilemmas encountered by the characters as they navigate their faith and safety during a tumultuous time. The beginning of the book introduces us to Jacques Bonneval and his family as they prepare to attend the Fair of Beaucaire, a once-thriving marketplace. Jacques is depicted as a spirited youth, eager to impress Madeleine, the girl he fancies, amidst family dynamics and lively conversations about trade. However, the cheerful atmosphere is soon undercut by undertones of tension regarding the Church's increasing persecution of Huguenots, illustrated through conversations among the adults about the dangers they face. As the opening unfolds, it sets the stage for a narrative that explores themes of faith, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity in a society fraught with oppression. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anne Manning was an English novelist. Born in London, she was an active writer, having 51 works to her credit. Though her writings were antiquated in style, they were considered to have some literary charm and a delicate historical imagination. Her best known novel features the young wife of the poet John Milton.