The Fall of the Grand Sarrasin Being a Chronicle of Sir Nigel de Bessin, Knight, of Things that Happed in Guernsey Island, in the Norman Seas, in and about the Year One Thousand and Fifty-Seven

"The Fall of the Grand Sarrasin" by William John Ferrar is a historical fiction set in the 11th century, following the journey of Sir Nigel de Bessin, a young knight from Guernsey, as he confronts the notorious Grand Sarrasin and his band of pirates. The narrative explores historical themes of courage, honor, and self-discovery during a period of Norman conflict in the Channel Islands. Woven within the story are elements of Nigel's time spent learning in a religious place in Guernsey, the threats becoming more real with each passing moment about the pirates, and his decision to stand against evil after seeking counsel from Archbishop Maugher. The book captures the stark difference between a life of quiet contemplation and the harsh realities of a world at war, as Nigel prepares to fight for his homeland.