Under the red robe

"Under the Red Robe" by Stanley J. Weyman is a historical fiction book set in a France filled with tension, exploring ideas about what it means to be honorable, fighting, and how people connect with each other. Gil de Berault, the main character, is stuck in a risky world where what he's done before and what people think of him cause problems that could totally change his life. The story kicks off with Gil de Berault fighting a younger guy in a duel because they got into a nasty argument at a restaurant. Even though the fight seems kind of heartless, it shows how de Berault is struggling inside, dealing with the results of living violently and trying to live up to what society expects of him. As the duel gets more intense, de Berault not only has to worry about getting hurt but also about the Cardinal possibly punishing him. His future is uncertain as he's arrested, starting his journey into political games and personal dangers that will define his path in the story.