Customer Reviews

The Moneyman

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mr. Costain has placed a unique a character from late Middle Ages France into a setting of events which mark a turning point in history. This is the post-Joan of Arc world that would redefine France and England from feudalism to modernity. Jacques Coeur, the moneyman, the energetic man of the people and the financial power behind the throne, seeks to create a base of power from which to revolutionize the social and economic standards and perspectives of a stagnating Age of Chivalry. His efforts at manipulation of the people around him, from the lowliest peasant to the king himself, backfire and arouse opposition both to himself personally as well as to his vision of a better world. The powers that be are not ready to accept the changes toward which the modern world will evolve.

The fictional format presented by Mr. Costain carries the reader into French history after Mark Twain's Joan of Arc. The reader of The Moneyman will enjoy the setting, the characters, and engaging elements of the plot. The author is sensitive to the local color of time and place, as well as a sense of the dramatic interplay of people and events in both the tragic and comic aspects of his story. However, at times, the historical lessons he wishes to present prevent of the fictional flow of characters and events from assuming center stage. Mr. Costain writes in his introduction:

It must be made clear to the reader where history

ends and the work of the romancer begins....

It is this balance that effects the pace the story and may be deemed too prominent.

What a terrific way to learn history. The Moneyman is about the incredible merchant, Jacques Coeur (Jack Heart) and the King of France, Charles the 7th. Jacques Coeur was able through his devotion to France to finance the recovery of Normandy from England at the end of the 100 year war. Interwoven with the history is the romantic story of two people of that time. Thomas Costain's description of their lives gives us an inside view of what life was like in France before the Revolution in the 1700's. Chivalry was so ignorant of reality that seeing it in a situation really will open your eyes. Also, the way people were tried in courts is another way to see the amazing way our own founders framed our American constitution from knowledge of the abuses the European courts. If you like to be involved in a story that you can't stop reading, the Moneyman will give you hours of such interesting reading. You will be better for it.

Thomas Costain (1885-1965) began writing novels of historical fiction at age 57. This is the third of his books I've read (The Silver Chalice & The Black Rose). I found myself searching the web for information about Charles VII of France and Agnes Sorel. Costain weaves a wonderful tale of Middle Age intrigue throughout the palace and court of France. He explains the background of the 100 Year War and the role the leading character, merchant Jacques Coeur, played in financing early cannons, improving their metals and lessening their tendency to explode. The historical role of Agnes Sorel's stint as influential mistress to the King was an eye opener. The romance between D'Arlay and Valerie warms the heart as we see love and devotion has thrived in every age, as have their courtly counterparts of lust and betrayal. In particular, the trial of Coeur grips the reader to see how wealth can purchase justice. This was another great novel by Costain. I will be sure to be on the lookout for others! Enjoy!

I read this book about a year ago and now my memories of the book are fading but I do remember clearly that I nearly put it down in the beginning because the story line simply was not holding my attention. I'm glad I gave it a second chance however as the book does pick up the pace and gets much more interesting. The characters are well rounded out and you'll feel as though you are living in that time period which is a hallmark of all of Mr. Costain's historical fiction novels. My overall impression of the book is that I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to a friend - however, I would not read it a second time hence the middle of the road 3-star rating.