The Battle of the Strong: A Romance of Two Kingdoms — Volume 6

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

6235

Title

The Battle of the Strong: A Romance of Two Kingdoms — Volume 6

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Channel Islands during the Napoleonic era, this novel follows Philip d'Avranche, a disgraced admiral who steals a child to win back his scorned wife, Guida. As political intrigue escalates across Europe, Philip must defend his claim to the Duchy of Bercy while confronting the consequences of his desperate actions and the enduring power of love and justice.

Summary up to 500 words

In Volume 6 of *The Battle of the Strong*, Gilbert Parker intensifies the narrative of Philip d'Avranche, now Admiral and Duc de Bercy, as he faces a profound crisis within the Royal Court of Jersey. The story culminates during the Assise d'Heritage, where Philip's flag-lieutenant, Guida, publicly invokes the ancient Norman law of Haro to accuse him of stealing her child, Guilbert. This dramatic accusation forces Philip to reveal the truth: the child is his own, born of a secret marriage, an act that effectively disowns his current wife, the Comtesse Chantavoine. The conflict expands beyond the courtroom to a broader European stage. Philip is summoned to a Congress in Vienna, where he must defend his sovereignty against Detricand of Vaufontaine, Guida's true husband and Philip's old rival. Detricand, a former peasant turned soldier, has tirelessly campaigned across Europe to secure neutrality for the duchy and vindicate Guida's honor. The narrative explores themes of ambition versus integrity, the weight of social status, and the redemptive power of love. While Philip risks his reputation and military career to reclaim Guida, the political landscape shifts. The Congress ultimately recognizes the rights of the child and the legitimacy of the claims involved, leading to a resolution where the child is acknowledged as the Duke of Bercy. The novel concludes with a sense of reconciliation and peace, as the characters find stability after years of turmoil. Parker weaves a tale of romance, legal drama, and historical fiction, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of changing political tides. The epilogue depicts a festive atmosphere in Jersey following the Napoleonic Wars, where the family is reunited and the child is formally recognized by the new King of France, symbolizing the restoration of order and happiness after the intense struggles of the preceding volumes.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction