The Abyssinian
The Abyssinian by Jean-Christophe Rufin, published by Pan Macmillan in 2000, is a work of literature that intertwines the elegant language of the French Enlightenment with the storytelling style reminiscent of Alexandre Dumas. This narrative is set in 1700, during the latter part of Louis XIV’s reign, and follows the journey of a brave apothecary who becomes an unofficial doctor. He is persuaded to lead an embassy from Cairo to Ethiopia, exploring themes of liberty, religious fanaticism, and the quest for happiness.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of diplomatic intrigue, discovery, and personal adventure within the pages of this 422-page novel. Rufin’s narrative balances detachment with curiosity, offering insights into a virtually unknown civilization while chronicling the experiences and relationships of his protagonist. The Abyssinian presents a multifaceted story that invites exploration of contemporary issues through its historical lens.
Official synopsis Publisher
Jean-Christophe Rufin yokes the elegant language of the French enlightenment with the storytelling of Alexandre Dumas to create a splendid parable of liberty, religious fanaticism and the possibility of happiness.
‘Set in 1700, towards the end of the reign of Louis XIV, it follows the fortunes of a brave apothecary, a talented but unofficial doctor, who is talked into leading an embassy from Cairo to Ethiopia . . . Rufin maintains a perfect balance between impatient detachment and compassionate curiosity. The Abyssinian, like Thackeray’s Vanity Fair, carries the weight of history with good-humoured finesse’ The Times
‘An ambitious first novel, dashing, abundant and, when necessary, vividly theatrical’ Times Literary Supplement
‘[A] remarkably assured first novel . . . Rufin’s writing is elegantly readable’ Independent
‘It is old-fashioned enough to be delightful, and new enough to be moving’ Glasgow Herald
‘Rufin offers the reader at least three different novels in the space of a single book: a tale of diplomatic intrigue, a voyage of discovery to a virtually unknown civilisation, and a chronicle of the adventures and loves of his irrepressible hero’ Daily Telegraph
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