Monsieur Montespan by Jean Teulé, author of The Suicide Shop, follows one of history’s most disparaged men in the pursuit of reclaiming his dignity. At times hilarious and others heart-wrenching, this novel is something of a refreshing surprise amongst a pile of romantic clichés.

A rarity amongst the nobility of seventeenth century France, the Marquis de Montespan and his new wife, Athenais, were a match made through love rather than necessity. A woman of stunning looks and riveting personality, Madame de Montespan caught the eye of many but secured the heart of the novel’s namesake. When the couple face crippling debts through such a lavish lifestyle, Athenais seizes the opportunity to become lady-in-waiting to King Louis XIV. At a time when a King’s advances were not to be refused, Athenais finds herself the object of the Sun King’s affections and climbs the social ladder to become his mistress. A rarity amongst the married noblemen of the time, who relished the money and lifestyle that they became accustomed to should their wives find themselves in the King’s bed, the Marquis refused to accept his fate of cuckold. Broken-hearted and vengeful, Monsieur de Montespan vows to retrieve his beloved and challenge the monarch in order to regain his marriage.

Though comic and written in Teule’s witty and intense style, this story is first and foremost a touching love story. A man who fights for love in a time in history when romance was often forgotten in favour of status or monetary compensation, Teule restores this ridiculed character to his undoubtedly rightful label of ‘hero’. This novel brings to life vividly interesting characters that time has forgotten; a uniquely brave man, a woman consumed by power and status to the extent of rumoured witchcraft and a monarch blind to the morals of life.

I was dubious about this novel when I started reading it as it strayed somewhat from the usual genres that I religiously return to. However, a combination of the style of writing and the comic undertones that flecked every chapter made this a fascinating read. Initially unaware of this classic French story, I found the characters extremely lively and richly described, successfully restoring the dignity of a brave and romantic man. Teule has been quoted as saying that he believed the Marquis to be the ‘seed’ of the French Revolution; his story is the preface to the book that cemented itself in French history. Lovers of novels such as Phillipa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl or The Duchess by Amanda Foreman will find this a hugely enjoyable read.

Monsieur Montespan by Jean Teulé is published Gallic Books and available to buy online here.