The Abbatial Crosier; or, Bonaik and Septimine. A Tale of a Medieval Abbess

"The Abbatial Crosier; or, Bonaik and Septimine. A Tale of a Medieval Abbess" by Eugène Sue is a historical fiction novel that weaves together themes of social struggle and change in the medieval world. Set against the backdrop of conflict between Arabs and Christians in Gaul during the Frankish conquests, the story introduces Septimine, a former slave, and Bonaik, an elderly goldsmith, as they navigate life within an abbey amidst feudal tensions. The narrative opens with a chaotic prologue of war and shifting power dynamics, which then focuses on Septimine's transition to freedom and her relationship with Bonaik. Their interactions happen in an environment dominated by tyrannical figures, where kindness and worry persist, promising a story filled with challenges and historical weight.