Guy De Tournet, Child of Revolution, Son of France

An intriguing character to follow, Guy De Tournet, served as a dedicated soldier in Napoleon’s Grand Armée as Captain of Calvary. Life was not easy for him nor the other soldiers, serving during the invasion of Russia, they faced tremendously demoralizing hardships while serving a strict commander. In fact, Guy had served in multiple war campaigns with Napoleon Bonaparte, but none were as difficult to endure as the current one. Their pursuit of the illusive Russian soldiers in their hostile and unfamiliar environment proved intensely hard to bear along with a scarcity of food, proper shelter, warm clothes and shoes.

Fate steps in one day, with the discovery of a pair of seemingly well-fed young Russian girls hiding nearby. Starving, desperate, and determined to find their food source Guy sends friend and fellow soldier, Stanislaus Adamski, to communicate with them in Russian in order to ascertain where they get their food from. The girls cleverly escape their hunger weakened captors, but one leaves a lasting impression on Guy, Mishka the girl with the green, almond shaped eyes. Later, providence brings Guy, Adamski,and Mishka together again, this time, with multiple aspects of human nature playing a significant role.

Generally, as a historical fiction/romance book, the storyline, plot twists, historical elements and characters in Guy De Tourent, read fairly well. Guy presents an intriguing, complex, characterization, while staunchly loyal to France and his service in the military, there are instances where he also possesses a softer side of which he expresses deep compassion for others. For example, he would try to share his rations with the starving men he commanded, although it meant he would still be hungry.

Author Blake lends authenticity to the narrative with descriptive detailing of the historical aspects of the times in turn, blending fictional characters into the setting of the uneasy life endured by the soldiers and civilians during that time period. Also, her poetic interludes make an interesting addition to the flow of the story. I particularly enjoyed, the initial poem, Of Muskets, Muscles, and Men-Trrumm! I found her sentiments of the soldier’s experience to have the ring of truth. Guy De Tournet, Child of Revolution, Son of France comprises a promising, entertaining read.