The Wounded Name

by D. K. (Dorothy Kathleen) Broster

"The Wounded Name" by D. K. Broster is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Bourbon Restoration in France, the story revolves around the complex relationships and internal struggles of its characters, particularly focusing on Laurent de Courtomer and his encounter with Aymar de la Rocheterie, known as L'Oiseleur. The themes of loyalty, identity, and the tensions between past and present are likely to be explored as these characters navigate a world still fraught with the echoes of revolution. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Laurent de Courtomer, a young man on the brink of a transformative journey. As he interacts with his mother and prepares to leave England for a new life in France, hints of his personal conflicts and warmth towards his heritage emerge. After a chance meeting with L'Oiseleur during a fishing mishap, the narrative sets up a compelling friendship rooted in shared history and societal upheaval. This initial interaction foreshadows future developments as the characters navigate their paths amidst the political turmoil surrounding them, particularly in light of the royalist cause and the lingering effects of the Revolution.