In the Name of Liberty: A Story of the Terror

by Owen Johnson

"In the Name of Liberty: A Story of the Terror" by Owen Johnson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, the story follows a young man named Eugène Armand Barabant as he embarks on a journey to find his place amidst the tumult of revolutionary fervor. The book explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of war on human relationships as the narrator engages with various characters who embody the struggles and ideologies of the time. The beginning of the novel introduces Barabant arriving in Paris in August 1792, seeking shelter and adventure in a city bubbling with revolutionary zeal. As he settles into a room in a dilapidated building in the Faubourg St. Antoine, he encounters a colorful array of characters, including the spirited flower-girl Nicole, who quickly captures his attention, and la Mère Corniche, the concierge who's wary of newcomers. Barabant's excitement for the revolutionary ideals clashes with the realities around him as he begins to realize the seriousness of the struggle against the aristocracy and the chaos of the era. Through lively interactions and vivid descriptions of the environment, the opening portion sets the stage for Barabant's adventures and the turbulent events to come.