Pioneers-Katharine S. Prichard

Trollope’s only historical novel is set during a rebellion against the Republic established by the French revolution. The rebellion occurred in the west of France, in a region called la Vendée, in 1793. The novel focuses on the leaders of the rebellion and their families – Cathelineau, de Lescure, Larochejaquelin – and to a lesser extent the leaders of the Republic, especially Robespierre. Without overlooking the hardships of war, the novel emphasizes the valor of the rebels and the terrible excesses of the Republic during the reign of terror. [Summary by Terrance Callan]