Romance and the French Revolution! Politics and love! Scaramouche, published in 1921, explores age-old tensions that continue into the present. “He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad … “So begins this historical tale of romantic adventure. Andre-Louis Moreau is an orphan and cousin of the beloved Aline. He is raised by his godfather, the Lord of Gavrillac, and matures into an educated lawyer—while Aline sets her mind on marrying the rich but dishonorable Marquis de la Tour d’Azyr. But when Moreau’s closest friend is killed by the Marquis in a duel, Moreau vows vengeance. After publicly denouncing the aristocracy and stirring up the crowds, Moreau is forced to go into hiding. He joins a troupe of traveling actors and begins playing ‘Scaramouche’, the buffoon. When his identity is revealed, he hides out in Paris, becoming Master of a Parisian Fencing Academy and then a dueling politician. In the tumult of the French Revolution, Moreau and Aline are drawn together again. But the secrets of the past threaten to break apart their present and future. Scaramouche is Sabatini’s reasoned and passionate argument for representative government against the agendas of elitist governments of royalty and privilege.
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"A little slow in the start-up but takes off in the middle. An adventure set at th4 start of the French Revolution. Action, politics, history and of course, love. I agree with the description that it is a cross between the Three Musketeers and the Scarlet Pimpernel. "
— Diana (4 out of 5 stars)
" Just a tad slower then "Captain Blood" or "The Sea Hawk", none-the-less, "Scaramouche" was wonderfully conceived and raised significant issues that are still very valid today. Great ending. "
— Marc, 5/10/2011" Unexpectedly entertaining read, although I suspect Google Books did not have the best edition (typos, ho!). Neat to see foundational cliches in action. "
— Rebecca, 3/31/2011" Great story, well told. Intelligent, interesting, and compelling. This is an adventure-romance set during the height of the French Revolution that satisfies to the last page. "
— Laura, 2/3/2011" This book is a classic example of Renaissance historical fiction. From swashbuckling swordsmanship to prudent politics, this story has it all. "
— Whit, 2/3/2011" Classic love story. Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. Complete misunderstanding. Secrets are finally revealed (which you definitely figure out prior to them being revealed). And they live happily ever after, oh yes, and it all takes place in the middle of the French Revolution. "
— Karen, 1/9/2011" Really love French history and this one is good.<br/> "
— Rissi, 12/24/2010" Sabatini has a problem with making his heroes too good. But an entertaining adventure. "
— Aneel, 10/23/2010" This is the first 'big' novel I read as a child -- and I've wanted a revolution ever since! "
— Kersten, 10/14/2010" The book was published in 1921 and the style is very different from books published now. I suppose it was a different time, when people weren't in so much of a rush. There is a lot of narrative in the story, which really slowed the reading down, but it was a good read all the same. "
— Lisa, 10/2/2010Rafael Sabatini (1875–1950) was the son of two opera singers. Schooled in England and Switzerland, he would learn many languages. His first job was as a translator, and he would later translate for British Intelligence during World War I. He began writing historical romances for fun, and after publishing his first story in the mid 1890s, produced a new book every year for the next twenty five years.
David Stifel trained at the Yale School of Drama and has worked for such noted film directors as Steven Spielberg and Danny Boyle.
John Burlinson is an American audiobook narrator.
Russell Gold has reported on energy regularly in the Wall Street Journal since 2002. His coverage of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was honored with a Gerald Loeb Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Austin, Texas.
Melissa Green is an audiobook narrator, currently residing on the northwest coast of Washington. She is a passionate reader and has pursued many areas of study including biology, premed, massage therapy, European history, vocal performance, opera, street theatre, and dance.