Patroon van Volkenberg : $b A tale of old Manhattan in the year sixteen hundred & ninety-nine
"Patroon van Volkenberg: A Tale of Old Manhattan in the Year Sixteen Hundred" by Henry Thew Stephenson is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. It immerses the reader in the turbulent times of late 17th-century America, focusing on the protagonist, Vincie Le Bourse, who is in search of his long-lost sister, Ruth. The novel unravels his adventures as he navigates the complexities of life in Manhattan amid political strife and societal challenges. At the start of the narrative, Vincie is cast ashore on Long Island by a pirate ship, reflecting on his loneliness and the strong hope that drives him toward finding Ruth. He seeks refuge in a tavern, where he encounters a kind host, learns about the prominent patroon Kilian Van Volkenberg, and gets advice on reaching New York. As he prepares for the next leg of his journey, readers are introduced to Vincie's backstory of familial love, despair, and resilience during a time when Huguenots faced persecution. The opening sets the stage for an engaging tale that blends personal quests with broader historical themes.