The Virgin's Tears
In the reign of Louis XV, the young alchemist called the Comte de St Germain shows up in Paris and begins to climb the social ranks. He is befriended by Sophie, an aging saloniste who is soon inappropriately infatuated, to the point of jealousy. But St Germain's real interest may be in her library, where she has a rare volume describing the properties of the Virgin's Tears, said to confer immortality.This historical fantasy plays with the rich material of the Parisian salons. A novel take on St Germain, who of course is a figure of legend that has long fascinated fantasy authors, but this time, it is Sophie who stands out as a character, interestingly flawed.
My caustic tongue. Too much. Too blunt. Now he would take offense and I would be prostrate with apologies. Or else embarrassed and ridiculous and in need of reassurance. How tiresome these games were.
Recommended. Lois Tilton for Locus Online
