The House of the Wolf: A Romance

"The House of the Wolf: A Romance" by Stanley John Weyman involves a historical tale unfolding in France during 1572, a time of unrest between Catholics and Huguenots. The journey, viewed through the experiences of young Anne de Caylus and his brothers, explores love, deceit, and the hazards presented by their evil neighbor, Raoul de Bezers, called the Vidame. Introduced with Catherine's engagement announcement to M. de Pavannes, the narrative quickly steers toward conflict, shadowed by political and social turmoil. Beginning on a tranquil summer afternoon, the mood changes with the sudden arrival of the Vidame, whose menacing presence hints at future battles. As the characters struggle with their loyalty to Catherine and worries for her safety, the story evolves to violence after their intervention in an attack leads to the unfortunate conclusion that they have made the Vidame their enemy, setting the stage for adventure, danger, and a pursuit of justice.