The Fortunes of Garin

by Mary Johnston

"The Fortunes of Garin" by Mary Johnston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in a medieval landscape, taking readers through the life of a young squire named Garin de Castel-Noir as he grapples with significant life choices and the pursuit of honor. Themes of chivalry, ambition, and the dichotomy between religious duty and martial aspiration underpin Garin's journey. At the start of the story, Garin finds himself in a cathedral bathed in both physical and spiritual light, contemplating his future. He is influenced by different voices in his life—his brother Foulque, the Abbot of Saint Pamphilius who offers him a path to the clergy, and his feudal lord, Raimbaut the Six-fingered, who represents the knightly path. This inner turmoil is mirrored by his unexpected encounter with a knight whom he nobly rescues from a bandit, showcasing Garin's emerging sense of agency and honor. As the narrative unfolds, Garin must navigate the complex interplay of duty, love, and ambition that defines his fate in a richly depicted medieval world.