Beloved: An Ode to Infidelity

In 1066, Philippe Devereaux, a young knight from Normandy, departs for the Norman conquest of England with Duke Williams, leaving his newly-wed bride with his feudal lord. Devereaux is plagued by doubt about his lord's promise, which stains his years of service as Mareschal of the fief. The novel depicts an intricate and colorful tapestry of medieval customs, faith, and carnality, with nobles, high churchmen, and commoners portrayed with their flaws and foibles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The year 1066 marked a significant turning point in European history, as a young knight from Normandy, Philippe Devereaux, embarked on a perilous journey alongside Duke Williams' forces to conquer England. Leaving his newlywed bride behind in his feudal lord's care, Devereaux believed that the revival of the ancient custom of 'droit de seigneur' was merely a façade to enhance his lord's image. However, as he fought against Saxon rebels and grappled with his own tumultuous affair with an older noblewoman, doubts began to cloud his mind about his lord's promise. These doubts would haunt him throughout his years of service as the Mareschal of the fief, as well as his tortuous liaison with his master's lady wife and the unfortunate demise of his seigneurial lord.

In the midst of this turmoil, Devereaux's life took an unexpected turn when he was accidentally elevated to the baronial rank. This newfound status brought with it a new set of challenges and responsibilities, as he navigated the intricate web of medieval politics and power dynamics. The narrative, penned by the author, offers a vivid portrayal of the customs, faith, and carnality of the medieval world. It is filled with a diverse cast of characters, including nobles, high churchmen, and commoners, each with their own unique flaws and foibles.

Through numerous episodes, both solemn and comic, outré and tragic, the narrative sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a society bound by strict religious rules and customs. The mildly archaic prose serves as a frame for a world of innocence and ignorance, where unbridled passions and intrigue run rampant. At the same time, it also highlights the severe sanctions of the canonical faith that governed the lives of the characters.

The year 1066 marked a pivotal moment in history, and Philippe Devereaux's journey serves as a testament to the resilience and complexity of human nature in a world of immense change and uncertainty. The narrative invites readers to explore the depths of the medieval world and to reflect on the values and beliefs that shaped the lives of those who lived in it.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805140382