Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Julianne Chevalier is a midwife in Paris, falsely accused of causing the death of one of her patients, she finds her self branded and imprisoned. She chooses to go to Louisiana rather than face imprisonment, but little did she know what she would face to get there, including marrying a fellow convict.

Once they reach New Orleans Julianne loses Simon, and gains a friend in Madame Francoise St. Jean who share her faith with her and helps her adjust to her new life in Louisiana. Julianne befriends many of the woman who come over with her on the ship.

I like how this story is based on true historical events, and how John Law paid for convicts to come to Louisiana in order to help colonize the French Territory.

I like Marc-Paul Girard. He is captain of the French Army stationed in New Orleans, he recognizes Julianne because he knows her brother who was stationed in New Orleans too. He helps her find a job, and learn more about medicine, translating for her and standing up for her in times of trouble. Marc-Paul has his secrets too, and he doesn't tell her everything. He is a man of faith and reads a protestant Bible, even though good French men are Catholic. He brings home a young girl named Lily, who is his daughter, and it is difficult for her and Julianne because Lily doesn't speak French, though they finds ways to communicate.

This was a hard book to read, because of all the hardship and pain that Julianne goes through over the course of the many years that this book covers.  It highlights the harsh conditions the colonists faced the precarious relationships that the French had with the various native tribes. I liked Marc-Paul and Julianne, they are resilient and truly care about the people of the colony, full of interesting characters and plot twists. This book covers the span of many years, so at times it seemed like she wasn't happy for very long before something terrible happened again. There are many surprises and a climatic ending, very good book for fans of gritty historical fiction.

Note: Some content in book may be considered PG-13.



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