Jacques Bonneval

Anne Manning's Jacques Bonneval plunges listeners into the tumult of 17th‑century France, where the bustling Fair of Beaucaire and the cruel shadow of the Dragonnades shape one man's destiny. A historical novel of faith, family and endurance, it opens amid the pomp and commerce of the Feast of St. Magdalene before moving into the darker era of Huguenot persecution following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Through evocative scenes—market caravans and arena crowds, intimate family ties and harrowing trials—Manning sketches Jacques's world with period detail and moral urgency. Themes of religious intolerance, sacrifice, loyalty and quiet courage run through the narrative, balanced by moments of warmth, romance and rural life. The book captures both the public sweep of history and the private costs borne by ordinary people caught between conscience and coercion. Perfect for listeners who love character‑driven historical fiction, Jacques Bonneval appeals to fans of 17th‑century European history, religious history, and richly wrought period drama. Engagingly narrated, it offers a moving portrait of resilience and the human spirit in an age of upheaval—an ideal listen for anyone drawn to lyrical storytelling grounded in real historical events.