In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons - Book Review

In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons is a historical novel set in 17th century France. King Louise XIV has ordered that all French Protestants or Huguenots must immediately convert to Catholicism or face imprisonment, confiscation of their property or even death.

Soon the king's soldiers are out in force going village to village, seeking out Protestants and destroying their homes. Francois Clavell rushes home to warn his wife Madeleine that the dragoons are on their way, led by the ambitious and over-zealous Commander Bouveé. The Clavell's are forced to send their sons into hiding so they won't be taken, but they believe Vangie, their young daughter, will be safe at home because of her youth and gender.

However, circumstances take a turn for the worse, and while Madeleine is off pleading with her old friend, King Louise XIV the Sun King of France, to show them some mercy, Bouveé is given instructions to destroy their estate and bring back the oldest son. Unable to find the boys, Bouveé burns down the Clavell mansion, and leaves Francois bound, while he rides off with their daughter.

In the Shadow of the Sun King Based Upon Family History of the Author

What follows next is an epic story of one woman's fight to reunite her family against dangerous odds. With few people she can trust and fewer places she can safely hide her family, Madeleine Clavell sets off across France to find safety, her husband, and her daughter. What makes this story so interesting beside the exciting plot, is that it is based upon the family history of the author, Golden Keyes Parsons. Well researched and with painstaking detail, In the Shadow of the Sun King chronicles the history, customs and geography of 17th century France and the struggles of courageous Christians known as the French Huguenots.

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