The Sun King Rises

The Sun King Rises by Yves Jego and Denis Lepee (regret no accent on my keyboard) is another historical novel brought to English readers by the French Embassy backed Gallic Books. The court of the flamboyant Louis the Fourteenth has always been a favourite backdrop for the novelist and Messrs Jego and Lepee have chosen the opening years of the young King's reign to set their intriguing tale. Cardinal Mazarin, whose influence guided the young King through the destructive days of the civil war known as The Fronde, is dying. Now a struggle ensues to take his place at the King's side. Mazarin has recommended his adjutant Colbert but equally powerful is the Superintendant of Finance Nicolas Fouquet. However other forces are at work and an armed group invades the Cardinal's rooms and makes off with his personal papers though the most damaging dossier falls into the hands of Gabriel, the young secretary of the playwrite Molliere, who himself is hiding his true identity. Thus commences an intricate and entertaining story of an unpublished Gospel and a secret brotherhood whose task it is to guard it until the time is judged right to reveal it to the world. Underlying it all is the conflict between Fouquet and Colbert with Gabriel an often bemused player in possesion of the key pieces of the puzzle but unable to make the connections that will enable him to bring events to a conclusion. Translated from the French by Sue Dyson the narrative canters along in the spirited fashion of the best historical novels and is definately recommended to cheer one through a rainy weekend.