There is a philosophical depth to the novel. . . one of the strengths of Merle's novels [is] his ability to evoke the feeling and texture of everyday life as well as high politics. . . [The Brethren] has a credibly human solidity, and whets one's appetite for the next volume, City of Wisdom and Blood, which will be published in the fall. - The Wall Street Journal
One of the many delights vouchsafed by Robert Merle's
The Brethren is the sense that the author is astonished that what he's writing about actually happened. . . If there is a pattern to the narration-a dependable vacillation between personal exploit and public machination-the chronicle is also seductively contorted, with adventures sowed into other adventures. . . Pierre, then, is the human demilitarized zone separating his mother and father. His voice can be self-congratulatory though also generous and gently philosophical, reminiscent at moments of Merle's colleague Sartre. . . Feudal life can hardly seem more vivid than when Merle leaves the religious war to describe, through a smart translation by T. Jefferson Kline, a soul-strengthening day of haymaking or the swagger of a barrel-chested wet nurse with 'milk for sale.' Merle the English teacher repeatedly bows to Shakespeare. . . [
The Brethren] is wise and audacious, constantly nudging up against the extraordinary.
- The New York Times Book Review
The compelling first in a series of French historical novels, deftly translated and published for the first time in English. Chateau Mespech is a fiefdom relentlessly imperiled by the weather, Gypsy bandits, royal and religious duplicity, and the plague . . . Merle peoples his tale with memorable characters: villains, maids, legionnaires and townsfolk . . . Merle's is a French epic, more genteel than Dickens' poor-child English tales and less doleful than Tolstoy's Russian sagas. -- Kirkus Reviews
Swashbuckling historical fiction... For all its philosophical depth [
The Brethren] is a hugely entertaining romp... The comparisons with Dumas seem both natural and deserved and the next 12 instalments [are] a thrilling prospect.
- Guardian A vivid novel by France's modern Dumas... [there is] plenty of evidence in the rich characterisation and vivid historical detail that a reader's long-term commitment will be amply rewarded.
- Sunday Times Cleverly depicts France's epic religious wars through the intimate prism of one family's experience. It's beautifully written too.
- Metro. We're swept away by triumph, tragedy, action and adventure... It's a novel like this that makes reviewing one of the best jobs in the world.
- The Book Bag, Five Star Review Historical fiction at its very best... The second instalment cannot be published too soon.
- We Love This Book A Sprawling, earthy tale of peril, love, lust, death, dazzling philosophical debate and political intrigue... an engrossing saga.
- Gransnet A master of the historical novel.
- Guardian A spectacular evocation of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century France.
- Independent Advance Praise from Europe: His readers appreciate his recipe for writing that is as political as it is entertaining.
- Deutschlandfunk Be warned: even just a few pages can lead to addiction.
- Neckar-Tauber Trend With much wit, irony and a knack for juicy details, [Merle] brings alive his country's history.
- Literatur-Report For fans of historical fiction, The Brethren is a delight to savour.
- Thuringer Allgemeine Thrilling! Robert Merle rides his novel at full tilt across a richly eventful period of history.
- Le Magazine Litteraire Robert Merle is one of the very few French writers who have attained both popular success and the admiration of critics.
- Le Figaro A wonderful, colourful, breathlessly narrated historical panorama.
- Zeitpunkt Breathes new life into the classic adventure story and great historical epic.
- Les Nouvelles Litteraires France's greatest popular novelist.
- Le Monde The Dumas of the twentieth century.
- Neues Deutschland 