Pastimes Of A Red Summer HB

Out Of Print.... Peter Vansittarts historical pageant, 'The Story Teller' was unanimously praised on its publication last year. This new novel is set in the time of the French Revolution. The narrative is for the most part compressed within St Julien, a mansion and park originally serving as a mental asylum for people of distinction 'distinction of suffering rather than name or pocket, sword or robe'. St Julien has now opened its gates to nobleman and commoner alike, some escaping from the violent realities of the Revolution, others scheming to profit by it. The inmates are notabilities in rank or profession, along with a retinue of personal maids, hairdressers, valets, cooks. The identities of some remain uncertain: one footman could well be a fugitive abb or even police agent, and a cook a one-time judge. The climax comes when one of their number suddenly and inexplicably disappears, leaving a train of fear and suspicion behind him. By his subtle fusion of period atmosphere and historic insight, the author has created a rich, evocative tapestry that conveys a strong sense of immediacy, of events being in exorably re-enacted.