A Family of Brigands in 1793 Paperback

Another reviewer said this is a fictionalized account of true events written by Rev. Fr. Jean Charruau, S.J. I truly hope this is a real manuscript, and that Fr. Jean only claimed this is fictional to protect the true identity of the author and her family.

I devoured the book in two days. I read it during a silent retreat, and I could not put it down. It was heartbreaking and so spiritually enriching and I did not bother to contain my tears (they flowed unrestrained for the better part of an hour). Halfway through the book, it began to feel like the de Sérant family was my own family, and I mourned for each one of them and for a century when Faith still burned brightly in the hearts of men, despite the godlessness that threatened it. I profited from Marquise de Sérant’s advice, Genevieve’s goodness, Arthur’s and Jacque’s courage, Justine’s devotion, the Marquis’ paternal love, Tonio’s gratitude, and the staunch Faith the Vendeans demonstrated when faced with demonic forces of chaos and tyranny. Of course, Marie de Sainte-Hermine reminds me so much of myself that I didn’t like her at first but then I found myself commiserating with the pathetic figure of suffering she’d been reduced to. Even when it seemed she would get her happy ending, she continued to endure trials that only fortified her faith in God.

I’ve been reading widely about the French Revolution, and I don’t understand why anyone would dare support ideals watered with innocent blood, the blood of martyrs. The Revolution was demonic, plain and simple — it unleashed the excesses from the depths of Hades. It was a revolt not only against the Old Regime but against Christ and His Church. Sadly, the Revolution never left us; it has convulsed down through the ages and engendered the Communist Revolution of 1917. Though there are practicing Catholics in France, it never truly regained the Faith of her ancestors. Even today, France is committing crimes against Divinity (such as enshrining abortion in its constitution, which was inspired by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen).

Ironically, the Vendeans had achieved the symbiosis the Revolutionaries “tried” to bring about: nobles and peasants working together in perfect harmony.

Overall, I found Marie’s memoir historically accurate, engaging, poignant, and unforgettable! As the reviewer below me said, if she is real, I hope to meet her, along with the rest of the de Sérant family and the brave Vendeans, in Heaven.

Vendean martyrs, pray for us!

The narrative is overall sad, but the story is just so unforgettable and I couldn't hardly put the book down.

What an amazing life and so well-told!

Absolutely wonderful book! I loved everything about it and couldn't put it down, especially towards the end. The fact that this family went through so much and was still so strong in their faith is such a testament of hope and love of God. Absolutely beautiful and I hope they are all together again, enjoying their eternal reward for all their sufferings on earth. Get this book - you won't be disappointed!

I read this book believing it was a true story. It was such a beautiful, sad, inspiring story that I had a hard time putting it down to do my daily duties. I mentioned the book to a priest (who is able to translate French to English) who also read it, and he told he researched and verified that this book was fiction and that the author (Rev. Fr. Jean Charruau, S.J.) was a priest who had written other books in a similar style, where the reader is led to believe that the story is written by a character in the book. Rev. Fr. Jean Charruau wrote his books in French, so I am unable to verify his writing style. There is one title translated to English entitled “Brother and Sister” which I hope to purchase in order to have the pleasure of reading another book written by this fine, talented author! “A Family of Brigands in 1793” has left a lasting impression on my mind of the power of love, prayer, charity, sacrifice, forgiveness and suffering.
If there really was a Marie de Sainte-Hermine who eye witnessed or participated in the events that were written about in this book, I hope to meet her in Heaven.