Subject
La Tour, Charles de Saint-Etienne de, 1593-1666 -- Fiction Books
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Mary Hartwell Catherwood
The Lady of Fort St. John
"The Lady of Fort St. John" by Mary Hartwell Catherwood is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous period in Acadia, focusing on the struggles between French and English forces as well as internal conflicts among local leaders. A central character is Marie de la Tour, whose resilience and resourcefulness are tested as she navigates her responsibilities in the fort while her husband is away on a military campaign. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to a desolate Acadian landscape filled with twilight and fog, setting an atmosphere ripe for intrigue and conflict. We meet Charles de la Tour, a nobleman and military leader, along with his wife Marie, who displays both tenderness and strength as she takes charge of Fort St. John in his absence. The opening portion establishes the precarious situation at the fort, hinting at the looming threat posed by D'Aulnay de Charnisay, a rival who jeopardizes their safety and legacy. The arrival of a mysterious woman and her abandoned baby adds further tension, laying the groundwork for a plot that involves loyalty, betrayal, and the question of motherhood in a conflicted territory.
H. V. (Harriet Vaughan) Cheney
The Rivals of Acadia An Old Story of the New World
"The Rivals of Acadia" by H. V. Cheney is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. Set in New England and Acadia during the 17th century, the story revolves around the conflicts between French and English settlers, particularly focusing on the characters Arthur Stanhope, a young Englishman, and Madame de la Tour, the wife of a French rival governor. The narrative intertwines themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the complexities of religion amid the backdrop of colonial tensions. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a vivid scene on a summer day in 1643, where Arthur Stanhope is alarmed by the sight of a French warship approaching their coast. As the citizens of Boston rally to prepare for defense, Stanhope takes command of a group of shallops to protect a pleasure-boat filled with women and children from the impending threat. Meanwhile, the story explores the ongoing conflict between M. de la Tour and his rival, M. d'Aulney, for control over Acadia, setting the stage for intrigue and danger. As the narrative unfolds, various characters, including Madame de la Tour, who assumes command of her fort, navigate treachery, alliances, and the harsh realities of life in the New World. Throughout this opening portion, themes of bravery, duty, and the complexities of human relationships begin to emerge.
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