The man in black

"The Man in Black" by Stanley John Weyman is a historical fiction story that starts in 1637 at a lively horse fair in Normandy with a young nobleman named Jehan de Bault, who is living a sad life as a performer with a tricky showman. The book looks at ideas like who we are, what our destiny is, and trying to be free, as Jehan goes on a rough journey. The beginning shows a busy fair full of noise, excitement, and interesting people as Jehan is made to perform with a man and a monkey, using his story of being a nobleman who has lost everything to get people to feel sorry for him and give them money. Even though he's part of the show, Jehan knows he's in a bad spot because he was taken from his parents and forced to work for someone else. As the story goes on, a mysterious person named Solomon Nôtredame comes to the showman looking for Jehan, suggesting that things might change for the boy. The combination of drama and mystery creates an engaging start to Weyman's historical tale.