The Cardinal's Man - Softcover

"The author tells us that Sebastian lived from 1610-1672, finally became court dwarf to Philip IV of Spain, and was included in a painting by Velazquez, which now hangs in the Prado in Madrid. Nothing is known about him so this story, although it is based on historical events and characters, is fiction, as the author mentions in her notes. Even so, it comes across with great authenticity and keeps the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would certainly recommend it." --Historical Novel Society "Gritty and lively . . . a colourful depiction of 17th century France." --Carol Birch, author, Jamrach's Menagerie

A spellbinding tale set in Cardinal Richelieu's France. It's over a century before the Revolution and France is under siege. The Thirty Years' War has spread across Europe, alliances are stretched to breaking point and enemies advance on every side. And while Louis XIII sits on the throne, the real power lies with the notorious Cardinal Richelieu. Now, with Richelieu's health failing and France in grave danger, salvation may yet be found in the most unlikely form. Sebastian Morra, born into poverty and with terrible deformities, is a dwarf on a mission. Through a mixture of brains and luck, he has travelled far from his village to become a jester at the royal court. And with a talent for making enemies, he is soon drawn into the twilight world of Cardinal Richelieu, where he discovers he might just be the only man with the talents to save France from her deadliest foes. The Cardinal's Man is a spellbinding tale of France in the time of Richelieu and provides us with a very different kind of hero, a dwarf with the wit of Tyrion Lannister and three foot four inches of brazen pluck.