The Brethren: Fortunes of France: Volume 1

By Robert Merle

A stunning new edition of the first novel in worldwide, bestselling historical fiction epic, filled with war, romance, and adventure in 16th-century France.

"A master of the historical novel." - The Guardian

The P rigord of 16th century France (the modern-day Dordogne) is a wild region on the edge of the reaches of royal authority. Its steep, forested valleys are roamed by bands of brigands and travelers. The region's communities are now divided in bitter conflict between Catholics and converts to the new Protestant faith, the Huguenots.

To this beautiful but dangerous country come two worn veterans of the French king's wars, Jean de Siorac and Jean de Sauveterre, together known as The Brethren. They are as fiercely loyal to the crown as they are to their Huguenot religion. They make their home in the formidable chateau of Mespech, and the community they found prospers, but they are far from secure. Enemies are on all sides, invisible. Religious tensions are mounting and a hideous civil war looms on the horizon. The horrors of famine and plague stalk the land, and The Brethren must use all their wits to protect those they love from the chaos that threatens to sweep them away.

The Brethren is a lusty, exhilarating blend of adventure and romance set against the backdrop of France during England's Tudor period. This is the novel that catapulted Robert Merle to fame and started what would become the bestselling, 13-volume Fortunes of France series.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1782695362
• ISBN13: 9781782695363
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Pushkin Press Classics
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.