Le Scapegoat

by Daniel Amory

2026 Bestseller. "Brilliant!" "An instant classic." Jean. Elise. Olivia. Provincial France. Love Triangle. "The Critically-Acclaimed Small French Village Drama-Comedy." From #1 Bestselling Author Daniel Amory (NYT, A&E Television, The History Channel, Cameron's Court, The Lion in the Colosseum, Hi Pretty Girl, Bye Pretty Girl, (In)famous), is "Le Scapegoat," the magnificent story about Jean des Michels, and his family, as they struggle to survive in the small provincial village of Minna-Saint Chabot during a long drought in the years leading up to the French Revolution.

"Jean des Michels, we are going to get married one day," said Elise Truffaut, quietly to herself, in a wish under the moonlight. She stood a short distance away cheerfully watching his silhouette in the glow of the stars. Jean turned around and saw Elise standing alone, staring at him.
"Is everything all right?" he asked politely.

Set in provincial France, Jean, forced to give up his dream of traveling throughout Europe and seeing the world, takes over the family farm. As the years go by, Jean's dairy goat, Marion, provides milk and cheese to the small French village of Minna-Saint Chabot. However, Jean finds out that long hardships mounting from the drought have turned the villagers against Marion. With everyone blaming Marion for their life struggles in an increasingly charged atmosphere, Jean attempts to stand up for what is right and defend her from injustice.

The story explores themes of perseverance, family, friendship, courage, self-sacrifice and dignity. "Quick and Easy to Read." "Powerful Ending." "Gripping." "Suspenseful." "Moving." "Emotionally-Charged." "Thought-Provoking." "Timeless." "Feel-good." "Uplifting." "Deep Social Commentary." "Bravo." New on Audiobook.

As a journalist, Daniel Amory worked with The New York Times, A&E Television and The History Channel. A cornerstone of Historical Fiction in 2026, Le Scapegoat is one of his six novels.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, Humor

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2025

About the author

Daniel Amory, #1 Bestselling Author, was born in Chicago, Illinois. He made his first foray into writing as a Staff Writer for The Daily Cardinal while in college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Shortly thereafter, he began to work professionally as a journalist in connection with The New York Times, A&E Television and The History Channel, producing numerous documentaries seen worldwide. He is the #1 Bestselling Author of (In)famous, Hi Pretty Girl, Bye Pretty Girl, The Lion in the Colosseum, Le Scapegoat, Cameron's Court and Minor Snobs. Available Everywhere. Amazon. Kindle Unlimited. Walmart. Waterstones. Hatchards. Foley's. Blackwell's. Audiobook.

YOU CAN REACH DANIEL AMORY AT:
lionthenovel1@gmail.com

TikTok: daniel.amory.author

Instagram: daniel.amory.author

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last of four books the author provided of his standalone novels for me to read and review.

Who would have thought that a goat could become the heart of a historical fiction novel?

Like many of the animals that pass through our lives, Marion is far more than a source of food or companionship. Animals often become woven into the fabric of families and communities, offering comfort, hope, and sometimes even salvation. In this story, Marion the goat proves just how powerful that bond can be.

Set in provincial France in the years leading up to the French Revolution, this novel transports readers to a vividly realized rural landscape. Through the eyes of a family, a beloved goat, and a close-knit village, we witness the challenges, joys, and resilience of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times.

To say much more would risk spoiling the story's charm. What I can say is that this is an emotional, engaging, and heartwarming journey filled with memorable characters and a strong sense of place. The author's depiction of village life highlights how communities can come together to support one another through hardship, creating a story that feels both intimate and uplifting.

Readers will likely find themselves unexpectedly attached to Marion and may finish the final pages with a smile, a full heart, and a renewed appreciation for the animals and people who enrich our lives.

I was given a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank the author and Patron Press for this copy for our Little Free Library Shed.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!* · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotionally honest, not quite slice-of-life but approaching that, story set in rural ~18th century France. It's an outwardly simple tale that speaks to the human experience broadly.

Jean is a farmer who keeps goats and makes Bucheron cheese, among other things. He wants to travel the word but circumstances keep him where he is, and he builds a small life and raises a family. A prolonged drought chips away at it all. Marion, a goat, is also present for the book's duration. It was not clear what direction the story would take, and I liked that it required taking in the book as whole as a trigger for reflection. I shall enjoy my memories of this book.

The writing evoked the setting wonderfully. I was often reminded of Victor Hugo, not at all in depth and poetry, but in the successful way it brought me into the French countryside and history of the time. The prose was light and effective; although the writing lacked the artfullness and conciseness that I would expect from a traditionally published literary fiction author, it was superior to many self-published alternatives.

The courtship between Jean and Elisa, and all the family moments that followed, were touching.

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway with no obligation to read or review it. My thanks to the author for holding the giveaway.

[Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow in the beginning and redundant with the french phrases, but still a good book. Had me crying at the end for Marion. Takes the term "scapegoat" to a literal level. Would recommend if you're looking for a quick read about a french farmer and his family during a drought.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a historical fiction novel that I was very lucky to win in a goodreads giveaway! This is a very interesting read and is short quick read if you need something fast to read. It takes place in eighteenth century France before the revolution and follows the misadventures of a young man named Jean. He and his family go through many hardships and they seem to always come out strobg afterwards. Overall this was a very enjoyable story to read!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

A lovely insight into a village and a family and a family goat! Beautiful and descriptive. A warming journey. I enjoyed it!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational short novel I received in a giveaway as a new release. This is a story about Jean des Michels during a period of time in France before the French Revolution. It starts off with the village and we meet some of the villagers and then we are taken to the countryside where we meet Jean as a young boy working with his brother on his family's farm, which is set in a small, quaint French village. Their uncle, who fought in the seven years' war, is killed in a duel, but not before he tells the boys about all of the places around Europe he had traveled to with his regiment. Soon Jean starts to dream about going off through Europe and seeing the same places his uncle told him about.

After several misfortunes, Jean inherits the family farm and must stay in the small village and work. He meets Elise, a girl in the village that he becomes interested in, and they date and eventually marry. They have three children. All the while, Jean has a dairy goat named Marion (he had named her when he was a child) who provides milk and cheese to the village.

As the years pass, there is a drought and with the lack of rain, the village is hit hard and struggles economically. After a while, the villagers focus their anger and disappointment on Marion (the goat). Jean feels this is an injustice and tries to say that it is misguided blame. It all leads to a very powerful ending. You will laugh and cry - it is serious and funny simultaneously. You will root for Jean and Marion. And I like how the family is depicted - sweet, caring and great little descriptions of their playfulness and adventures. There are some really important lessons and themes - friendship and loyalty among them. After I finished the book, it felt like I read something very meaningful.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le Scapegoat was a book I received in a new book release giveaway. It is a powerful story and it is well-written and short and easy to read. I really enjoyed it. There are some heartbreaking moments and some stand up and cheer moments. I experienced a lot of emotions because it builds to a gripping end. The time period is interesting because it takes place right before the French Revolution and there is a feeling that change is coming - for instance, the world was changing - Europe was changing. New music was spreading throughout Europe and beginning to reach these villages. So, the little village wasn't so little anymore.

The scene is set in Minna-Saint Chabot (in provincial France not far from Bourdeaux) and then we follow Jean des Michels, who seems to have some of the world's worst luck in some ways (some economical and some personal life events), but in other ways he has a very happy life (with his wife, Elise, and their three daughters). I think the chapters where he pursues Elise, especially the scene in the barn when he pretends to have a cheese delivery in order just to see her, was well-crafted and entertaining.

Ultimately, there is a drought and economic hardship hits the village and everyone has personal struggles and they start to blame none other than Jean's long-time dairy goat, Marion. Jean feels that this is unfair and tries to defend her, but it feels like it is him against the world. Overall, it is an interesting concept, a fascinating story, and the ending is filled with suspense and drama up until the big climax with the village. Luckily, it is uplifting and you feel good and proud of Jean, especially in light of the increased tension from the village.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a small French village, Le Scapegoat is a well-written, thought-provoking story that is moving and touching. I was just thinking the entire time "You better not let anything happen to Marion!" Marion is Jean des Michels' long-time, loyal goat. At first, Marion is kind of Jean's pet when he is younger. Then they become friends. And then when Jean meets (again, after several years) and marries Elise, a girl who lives on a nearby farm that he knew when they were children, Marion becomes Jean and Elise's goat. Then, later, Marion acts sort of like a nanny to Jean and Elise's three daughters (Isabelle, Colette and Sylvie). On a side note, I liked the portrayal of the inner-workings of the family - Jean and how he is always worried about how he is going to tell Elise and his daughters different things that have happened and the back-and-forth play-fighting and playing between Colette and Isabelle, "capering," as the author put it, in their "endless playground."

Later, there is a drought and the longer it lasts, the more people are angry and are looking to blame someone or something (clinical displacement of anger) and one thing leads to another and Marion is the one that is blamed. First, Marion is blamed for small things and then everything. Unjustly, of course. And Jean is put into a position to defend her, but can he do it? Will he do it? Near the end, in a showdown with Colette, the author says, "Jean realized that Colette was too young to understand the complexities of the world..." There are a number of themes covered in this book and so much symbolism. Recommended? Absolutely.

[Mia Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, but epic drama-comedy, a powerful saga spanning France's history, you are instantly drawn into the lives of Jean des Michels, his family and the rest of the village of Minna-Saint Chabot. There is charm and heartbreak throughout this wonderful story, which captures the essence of the economic turmoil of the period leading up to the French Revolution and the drama of what it's like being a part of a small, quiet village in provincial France.

The driving attitudes and emotional forces - joy, sadness, humor and the courage to stand up for what is right - all are present and makes the book very entertaining. The beauty of the story, for me, lies in the des Michels family dynamics and their friendship with Marion, their dairy goat. Specifically, Jean and Marion. They work together (Marion pulls the milk and cheese cart for the daily deliveries) and respect one another for each other's pure, raw determination (human and nature). Jean feeds her. He watches her in the field and observes the social hierarchy of the animals (Marion is greatly respected by the other animals). Jean talks to her about life. All the while, Marion provides the village with milk and cheese.

And then when trouble hits and life doesn't go exactly as planned (the village blames Marion for all of their struggles in the face of a prolonged period of lack of rainfall) - the questions surrounding friendship, loyalty and overcoming adversity are touched upon. The book's positive message ends with a climactic scene involving the entire village. This book was provided from a giveaway.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I got this book free as a giveaway and I really liked it. It was just what I needed this week. It tells the story of the des Michels family and it takes place in a small village in France during provincial times prior to the French Revolution. Jean seems to have some bad luck, and that increases when there is a prolonged drought. This is when the villagers turn on Jean's devoted goat, Marion (she becomes known as "the scapegoat"), and they blame her for their problems. Jean attempts to protect Marion in the face of clear injustice.

But things kind of get out of hand - and Jean's children are devasted when they hear about the villagers' plans to banish Marion from the village. The story is humorous, charming, sad and happy. It also contains important lessons like honor, pride and friendship. I love the family chapters and the mischievous things the children are always up to. And Jean and Elise's love for them. I think Colette is my favorite character. She has so much spunk. But Isabelle surprised me with her courage. Short and well-written.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is almost impossible not to love this story. A quick read, you are immersed in provincial France. You feel the warmth of the sun shining down on Minna-Saint Chabot. You see the olive trees. The figs. The dates. The lavender. The food markets.

The des Michels family is blessed and hardened from the times, but they endear. As Jean courts Elise early on in the story, you will laugh along with them - it is real, heartfelt and masterfully written. As time moves on, there is a drought and it effects the entire village. Times get hard. And the des Michels family survive - but Jean des Michels is brought to the brink when the atmosphere around his goat increases in intensity under false accusations and he is forced to make a decision that will change the trajectory of his (and his family's) life.

[Rachel (Always Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, but masterful exploration of a small town in provincial France and what can happen when the strongest faction of the village go after the weakest. The story follows Jean des Michels and his wife, Elise, and their daughters Isabelle, Colette and Sylvie and their goat, Marion. As time moves on, there is a drought and the village becomes a hostile environment. Heavy themes are told wonderfully told through the innocent eyes of the family. You will feel an emotional punch long after the final page as it eventually spirals into a suspenseful conclusion. I must also say that it is funny and touching too - especially when Jean and Elise are "dating" and the family scenes at the farm and the market.

[Julia Is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le Scapegoat by Daniel Amory is a gripping, emotionally-heavy story set in Provincial France. A quick read, the story takes place in the small provincial village of Minna Saint-Chabot and we are introduced to all of the villagers and you are transported back to a simpler time. But drama waits. We first meet Jean des Michels and he is interested in Elise Truffaut and their courtship is charming and funny and entertaining. They start a family and then a drought hits. And everything changes. This story is a powerful exploration of society and a vivid portrayal of the time leading up to the French Revolution through the eyes of the des Michels family. I can't recommend this story strong enough. I cried and laughed and then cried again. Joyful tears. :)

[Allison Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, but memorable read, this book is full of great moments. A touching portrayal of a family in provincial France. In this novel, we learn the story of Jean and his family - his wife, Elise, and his three daughters, Isabelle, Colette and Sylvie. And we are introduced to their dairy goat, Marion, who is kind of like a nanny to the children. It tells the story of unbreakable bonds of friendship, family virtues, tough decisions, hope and the cruelties of a, sometimes, hostile world. It is a book that is brutal, heartbreaking, hopeful and inspirational - all in one. Five mind-blown stars. It is a book everyone should read.

[Bookworm Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an intense, gripping ending, there is pure, raw determination by Jean as he stands up for what is right against a mob mentality. There are fireworks in this story as all of a sudden everyone points to Marion, Jean's dairy goat, as the culprit of all of their problems during a long drought.

I liked the descriptions of the small town in France, the time period leading up to the revolution and all of the people in the village. Jean and Elise's romantic courtship in the beginning of the story are cute and funny and the family moments are wonderful. This is a well-written, highly charged story that pushes Jean and the des Michels family to their mental and emotional limits.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon Le Scapegoat and I am so happy I did. It is in the same path of many of the Classics that I have read. A bigger than life story with so many hidden meanings, this time told through the eyes of the des Michels family. The scene is France. Provincial times before the revolution. There is romantic drama between Jean, Elise and Olivia - and the fallout that impacts a series of events later. There is a friendship between Jean, Elise and their daughters and their goat, Marion. And there is innocence. An innocence of the time. An innocence of their home and family life.

This is a story about friendship, being loyal and making big decisions. An unforgettable one.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story that is funny and touching. It is a heartwarming tale of friendship, which leaves a lasting impression. The story revolves around the des Michels family, who forms an unbreakable (so we think) bond with a devoted goat, Marion, on their farm. Their care for Marion, and vice versa, is portrayed well, showcasing the power of friendship through tough times leading to an emotionally resonant ending. Le Scapegoat touches upon loyalty and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Its message is timeless. I received it in a giveaway.

[BookReader22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le Scapegoat was Le Fantastic. This was Book 6 of my reading challenge so far this year and what a terrific story this was by the author, Daniel Amory. I will definitely be reading more books from him. We follow the des Michels family, along with their goat, Marion, during pre-revolutionary times in provincial France through good times and hard times until the finale, which is an edge of your seat, hands gripping your chair, suspense-filled ending. Perseverance, Family, Loyalty, Hope - these are some of the heartfelt topics covered while balancing humor to keep it entertaining and engaging throughout.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read, I thought Le Scapegoat was a combination of a drama and a comedy. Don't get me wrong, the ending is a must read as the drama unfolds, but throughout the story, the des Michels family is portrayed so eloquently and the visions of the purple lavender in provincial France had me dreaming of that far away time. I found some parts of the story having LOL moments - like when Jean went to see Elise in the barn at her family's farm when everyone else was out at the market. And the family scenes later were so cute. All in all, it was beautiful, raw, funny, serious and compelling.

[Daniel Amory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for taking the trip to the purple fields of lavender and provincial France to spend some time with Jean, Elise, Isabelle, Colette, Sylvie and Marion and everyone else. I hope you enjoyed their adventure and their story. And thank you for all of your amazing comments. I am glad the story touched so many of you in such a meaningful way. It means so much to me that you enjoyed it. Thanks again.

-DA

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The finish was strong. It was an enjoyable and very quick read. I liked that the novella felt like a more robust folk story or myth. I had some qualms with aspects of the style. At times it felt didactic. For example, the French words should have been left as is, or the translations used, but employing the French and the English definition took me out of the story.

[Alan Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giveaway

I received a complementary copy via Goodreads Giveaways. Daily life in a French village but after bad luck it was decided to send away an aged goat carrying all the troubles into the wilderness. In the end it was remembered that this scapegoat was part of the family. She had nurtured the village through the years.

[Alyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised by this little novella. Reads kind of like a parable because it's pretty stripped down, and kind of "floats" from scene to scene. Probably the best way to take it in is to read it one sitting, which is very doable, or as few sessions as possible. It's sort of plot-driven but reads a bit more like a reflection, or even a warning lol.

[Rachel Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story, I enjoyed reading about the des Michel family and the entire town of Minna-Saint Chabot. Heartfelt. Suspense. You will feel a lot of emotions as you learn about each of the villagers and the quiet secrets and how innocence and blame can be wielded so quickly and unthoughtfully. I read it in one day.

[Alyssa Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a critical look at it, I think it was excellent. From an entertainment standpoint, it was just as good. A heart-warming look at a small provincial French town - I was hooked right away. And the ending is heartfelt.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting for Le Scapegoat is France in pre-revolutionary times. The themes explored throughout the story are social class, disillusionment, social justice, perseverance, death, love, loss and wealth vs. morality. I loved it.

[Barbara Larkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the adventures of following this small village . I mainly focused on the life of Jean and his Goat Marion. Through all life’s curve balls he managed and focused so amazingly. Even though it had some sad hard decisions for him to make in his life he always stayed positive.

[TracyReads24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le Scapegoat takes us to pre-revolutionary France. To the fig trees. The olive trees. And the lavender of your dreams. I couldn't put this down! The storytelling was beautiful. A great reading experience and so wonderfully written.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colette was my favorite character in the story. She is young, but caring and adventurous. Isabelle though showed she was daring. I felt bad for Jean having to be put in the situation he was in with Marion. My heart was pounding at the end.

[Lizzie Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting. Excellent.