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Search - The Jester
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Book Description:
The title character is, when introduced in 1096, an unassuming innkeeper in a French village oppressed by the local nobleman. To earn his freedom, Hugh de Luc joins the Crusades for a torturous, bloody march toward Jerusalem that occupies the book's first third and ends with him escaping the madness around him by deserting back to France, in possession of some minor treasures - or so he thinks.
Back home, he finds that his beloved wife has been taken captive by the odious nobleman, and his infant son slain. Seeking his wife and revenge, Hugh adopts the guise of a jester in order to enter to the nobleman's castle, where he begins to fall in love with a young noblewoman, and she with him. In time, Hugh finds his wife, only to experience tragedy, and learns that the nobleman is searching for him, as he is believed to have carried back from the Crusades the greatest holy relic of all.
Returning to his village, which has been destroyed during the nobleman's hunt for him, Hugh persuades his townspeople, then surrounding towns, to rise up in revolt against the corrupt nobleman and his henchmen.
Back home, he finds that his beloved wife has been taken captive by the odious nobleman, and his infant son slain. Seeking his wife and revenge, Hugh adopts the guise of a jester in order to enter to the nobleman's castle, where he begins to fall in love with a young noblewoman, and she with him. In time, Hugh finds his wife, only to experience tragedy, and learns that the nobleman is searching for him, as he is believed to have carried back from the Crusades the greatest holy relic of all.
Returning to his village, which has been destroyed during the nobleman's hunt for him, Hugh persuades his townspeople, then surrounding towns, to rise up in revolt against the corrupt nobleman and his henchmen.
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Paperback, Paperback, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD (Unabridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Abridged)
Top Member Reviews
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I was plesently surprised to find that this was NOT just another cookie cutter book by James Patterson and one of his numerous co-writers. Although not a "great" book, it is a well written story and an easy read.
Taking place in the eleventh century with the dark side of the Crusades as background Hugh de Luc, the Jester, fights for such timely issues of rightness, morality, justice, freedom, and, of course, love. Above all, it is a book of hope. The phrase "That may be, but it will not always be" repeated throughout the story gives hope to what seems impossible then and now.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Love James Patterson, did not love this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very different for Patterson, but still riveting in a historical sort of way.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The Jester was a great read. A different Patterson style, and it goes to show what a great writer Patterson is. Patterson changes it up by writing a novel that teaches you about the crusades and what villages and individuals went through searching for the relics of Christ. If you want mystery and murder, you will still get it with the added charm of history.
Judy M. from DEDHAM, MA wrote on 7/23/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Historical fiction. A story about medieval France and the era of the Crusades with a different point of view. I really liked it.
Rate These Member Reviews
Helena M. from PARADISE, CA wrote on 6/23/2008...Excellent book; I could not put it down. Much different than James Patterson novels that I am used to, and well worth the read! Engrossing characters because of their integrity, love and core-strength. I'm rethinking posting this one!
This is a great read. It completely takes you do a time and place… I loved this book.
Pleasantly surprised! Not the usual Patterson-must be Andrew Gross!
A different type of yarn for Patterson but very well done and well-researched. I liked it a lot. Gruesome in some parts.
JoEllen D. from RICHLAND, MO wrote on 4/24/2007...Hugh DeLuc,a poor innkeeper,returns home from the First Crusade
wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage.After journeying from the Holey Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning
Maria K. from ALLENDALE, MI wrote on 12/30/2006...Excellent story!
This was the first James Patterson book I read. It is a great read.
Cheryl M. from SHREWSBURY, MA wrote on 10/15/2006...Very different type of James Patterson book, but if you stick with it, it has a very good ending!
Linda P. from ONALASKA, WI wrote on 8/7/2006...apoor innkeeper returns from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the holy land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.
Bertha M. from LITCHFIELD, NH wrote on 8/2/2006...An interesting departure in genre for Patterson. Good story.