The Ash Eaters, Violaine Massenet

August 1870. While Napoleon III's armies buckle under enemy fire near Sedan, another tragedy unfolds in a hamlet in Périgord. Because he allegedly shouted "Long live the Republic!", Alain de Moneys is beaten to death in the fairground by a mob of blood-crazed peasants, blacksmiths, and pit sawyers, who consider him a traitor, or even worse: a Prussian! Nicolas Desvergnes participated in the slaughter; he decides to flee. Years later, back in his homeland, married and with a child, he has resigned himself to living with his secret. But the irruption of an avenging angel challenges this fragile balance. Violaine Massenet drew inspiration from a historical event to bring to life the drama of Hautefaye, the "village of cannibals," and to imagine the singular destiny of a man, who will be saved by the love of a woman. Resolute to live no matter what, her characters give her novel a harsh and passionate breath.

9782809800319