The Exiles

Superstition, sorcery, dark strangers, and a great poet in disguise, Honoré de Balzac takes a new turn in 'The Exiles'.

Set in 14th century Paris, this novella sees sergeant Tirechair host two strangers at his house near Notre-Dame. One is a regular at the royal court, while the younger man is the son of a countess.

Both of them spook the sergeant, as he believes they are sorcerers - and they are clearly incognito. As he gets ready to throw them out, there is a big reveal - and plenty of poetic justice.

Balzac's 'The Exiles' is a clever exploration of the price of fame and the pressure of being born into the upper classes.

If you like 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer and 'World Without End' by Ken Follett, 'The Exiles' will be a great read!