What did it cost?
Madeleine is forced to flee into the forest after her father’s arrest. Rockston sustains tension here through proximity — to breath, cold, memory, and prayer.
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Historical Novel Society Interview
Vince Rockston iwrites dramatic stories set in distant times and places in which young people come to grips with timeless spiritual questions.
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Published!
Greet Suzon for me is out! In seventeenth-century France, faith is a matter of life and death. Under the rule of Louis XIV, the Huguenots – Protestant believers – face persecution, exile, and the constant threat of betrayal. Amid this turmoil, young Gédéon d’Albert is forced to grow up quickly, stepping into the role of…
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A compelling story
Review by Sharlene Almond, Reedsy Discovery A compelling story of a persecuted family condemned to die, but resilient in their faith. Vince Rockston takes the reader into the grisly world of 17th century Europe where due to their staunch beliefs, the Huguenots establish themselves as enemy no.1. They demonstrate courage and determination through perilous journeys…
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Huguenot Persecution by the Catholic Hierarchy
An Editorial Review of “Greet Suzon for Me“ Book Blurb King Louis XIV is determined to unite the French nation in a single church. Gédéon, the oldest child of a Huguenot family in Normandy, experiences first-hand the increasing hostility of the Catholic hierarchy. What is the cause of the religious conflict? Is reconciliation possible? Or…
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What sort of crazy title is that?
My book is not about Suzon at all. So why does she figure in the title? Well, she doesn’t – not really. Let me explain. We’re in France at a time of religious persecution. People and sensitive documents are being smuggled from one country to another. After a clandestine meeting, Gédéon’s father is being arrested by…
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History through the eyes of New World settlers
“Call of Freedom” by Paul C. Monk continues the saga of the Huguenot family Delpech. Having fled the oppressive dragonnade in France to find refuge in Ireland, in 1699 the family decides to brave a dangerous sea crossing and seek a new life in New York. The story captures the pervasive anxiety and fear of…
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Z is for Zeitgeist – The Age of Reason?
A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 This post explores the “Zeitgeist” or Spirit of the Age in 17th century France, a time that heralded the Age of Enlightenment. It touches on the social and intellectual ambiance, as well as certain political and religious developments. Conflicts 17th-century France saw the consolidation of King Louis XIV‘s concept…
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Y is for Why – Religious conflicts?
A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 Religious conflicts have plagued societies throughout history, causing immense suffering, division, and loss of life. In this blog post, I explore the root causes of religious conflicts and propose potential solutions, drawing on historical examples from 17th-century France and contemporary cases. Why do religious conflicts occur? Many are the…
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X is for X-ING – Crossing the sea to escape
A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 Flight by sea Whatever the reason people leave their country to seek a new home, the decision is never easy. Often they have suffered physically under some harsh regime or hostile neighbours. They may have had to abandon their possessions or even family members they would have wished to…
