Cinq-Mars

"Cinq-Mars" by Alfred de Vigny is a historical fiction story that takes place in 17th-century France and it is full of loyalty, desire, and the complex life of the court, especially through the eyes of Henri d'Effiat, also known as the Marquis de Cinq-Mars. As our main protagonist journeys through this era of sneaky politics and big dreams, the story promises to look into the internal struggle between what one wants and what one owes to their country. At the beginning, we find ourselves in the pretty area of Touraine, where a lovely family dinner is happening at Chaumont chateau, it is colored with mixed feelings because Henri is soon going to leave for court. But this farewell also has a feeling of bad things coming. Family relationships are looked into, showing love and the pressure of ambition as Henri deals with his future and his strong feelings for Marie, the Duchess de Mantua. As things get tense because of court drama and the scary Cardinal Richelieu, everything is ready for a story full of ambition and unfortunate choices.