Privilege
Privilege by Guinevere Glasfurd, published by Two Roads in 2022, is a historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous landscape of mid-18th century France. The narrative follows Delphine Vimond, who, after her father’s disgrace, escapes to Paris. There, she encounters Chancery Smith, an apprentice printer from London, as they embark on a quest to uncover the identity of the elusive author marked only by the letter “D.” The story unfolds against a backdrop of censorship and the oppressive power of the monarchy, highlighting the risks associated with the written word during this period.
Readers will find a richly detailed exploration of themes such as censorship, political intrigue, and the struggle for intellectual freedom. As Delphine and Chancery navigate a world fraught with danger, they confront the realities of a society where books require royal privilege for publication, and dissent is met with severe consequences. Glasfurd’s narrative captures the essence of a time when the act of reading and writing could lead to peril, offering a vivid portrayal of both the literary salons and the impoverished corners of Paris. This edition spans 352 pages and is presented in English, inviting readers to engage with a story that intertwines adventure and the fight for freedom of thought.
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‘Tightly plotted and hugely readable’ Jane Rogers, author of PROMISED LANDS
‘Marvellous . . . fans of immersive historical fiction, the 18th century, all things French and a dash of peril, this one’s for you’ Emily Brand, author of THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF BYRON
‘Glasfurd deftly, elegantly captures this volatile world of impoverished attic rooms and gilded literary salons’ DAILY MAIL
‘I thought of the books we carried and the hands that would one day hold them. The pages read, turned and discussed. And how the book would become thought and the thought then become the person gone out into the world. Let Gilbert try and put a stop to that.’
After her father is disgraced, Delphine Vimond is cast out of her home in Rouen and flees to Paris. Into her life tumbles Chancery Smith, apprentice printer sent from London to discover the mysterious author of potentially incendiary papers marked only D. In a battle of wits with the French censor, Henri Gilbert, Delphine and Chancery set off in a frantic search for D‘s author. But who is D and does D even exist?
Privilege is a story of adventure and mishap set against the turmoil of mid-18th century France at odds with the absolute power of the King who is determined to suppress opposition on pain of death. At a time when books required royal privilege before they could be published – a system enforced by the Chief Censor and a network of spies – many were censored or banned, and their authors harshly punished. Books that fell foul of the system were published outside France and smuggled back in at great risk.
Costa-shortlisted author Guinevere Glasfurd has conjured a vibrant world of entitlement and danger, where the right to live and think freely could come at the highest cost.
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