[Gutenberg 62787] • Mauprat

As the eighteenth century heads toward its tumultuous close, and both France and America hurtle toward revolution, an old family in central France is instead approaching extinction. The ancient line of the passionate Mauprats is divided irreparably in two. The respected branch has only two members remaining: the chivalrous and spirited Hubert de Mauprat and his commanding and intelligent daughter Edmée, who live at Sainte-Sévère, an elegant château.

The other branch sporting the famous name is pestilential. Lodged at the ruinous remains of La Roche Mauprat, hidden deep in a deserted ravine, are Tristan de Mauprat and his eight sons. They carry on the business of depredation with wild abandon, willing to use any violence or deception to further their brigandage. Housed with them is Tristan’s only legitimate grandchild, Bernard. Surrounded by savagery and vice, the young man is showing significant signs of following in his benighted relatives’ footsteps, his natural Mauprat passion curdled.

One day young Edmée and her father are out hunting in the woods surrounding La Roche Mauprat when she becomes disorientated and lost. Jean, perhaps the most dangerous and devious of Tristan’s sons, discovers her. The two branches of the family keep well apart, so they have never met – she has no idea who he is. This strange man’s offer of guidance to safety seems genuine. It is only later that she discovers the subterfuge - she has been kidnapped!

The undoubted beauty of their captive fascinates Bernard, and he is still just unbesmirched enough to appreciate her admirable goodness and strength. She begins to effect a change in him, a turning to the light. Though he ultimately assists in her escape, and she seems grateful for his help, he cannot somehow feel sure of her. His love begins to grow, complicated by rougher passion. But does she love him? She seems strangely evasive…..

The scene is set, not only for one of the great journeys over the rocks and rapids of a passionate love, but for a momentous history of turbulent times. Replete with politics, philosophy, religion and fate intertwining with stirring poetry in Sand’s accomplished hands, Mauprat was first published in 1837.