Sir Isumbras at the Ford

by D. K. (Dorothy Kathleen) Broster

"Sir Isumbras at the Ford" by D. K. Broster is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. This work intertwines themes of family, loyalty, and the political tensions of its time, focusing on the lives of the de Flavigny family amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution. The main character, Anne-Hilarion, the young son of the Marquis de Flavigny, is navigating his childhood in England while his father is embroiled in the tumultuous events across the Channel." "The opening of the novel introduces us to Anne-Hilarion, a small boy living in a London house with his grandfather, Mr. Elphinstone, and Elspeth, his nurse. As he lies in bed, he yearns for stories and imagines the adventures associated with the lore of 'Noroway-over-the-foam.' The narrative quickly shifts to reveal family dynamics and histories, showcasing Anne's ties to his French lineage through his father, the Marquis, who is involved in Royalist conspiracies following the French Revolution. The family’s situation becomes precarious as Anne is sent to visit two old friends of his father in Canterbury, setting the stage for impending conflicts that promise to intertwine secrets of the past with the dangers of the present."