The Pearl of the Orient

by Danielle Trussoni

In this historical adventure tale, a Christian missionary named Behaine visits Prince Nguyen Phuc Anh, King of Vietnam, and asks his permission to present Anh’s young son Canh to King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette as a symbol of Christian “friendship,” in the hopes that the French will send ships to aid in Anh’s war against the Trinhs of the north. Part historical fiction, part fairy tale, The Pearl of the Orient follows Behaine and Canh as they sail from Vietnam to France, are bewitched by Jesuits in Pondicherry, and celebrated by royalty at Versailles. In this politically tense period of the 18th century, Behaine must secure a treaty with France in time to save Anh’s kingdom, or he and the boy risk returning home to a kingdom conquered, once and for all, by the enemy.

Danielle Trussoni is the author of the New York Times bestselling Angelology series, including the novels Angelology and Angelopolis , which have been published in more than 30 countries. Her memoir, Falling Through the Earth , was selected as one of the Ten Best Books of 2006 by The New York Times Book Review. She lives in New York City. You can follow her on twitter @danitrussoni and visit her website

Cover design by Kerry Ellis.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2015

About the author

Danielle Trussoni is the author of The Puzzle Box (October 8, 2024), The Puzzle Master, The Ancestor, Angelology, The Fortress and Falling Through The Earth. Danielle is an internationally best-selling author whose work has been translated into over 30 languages.

Please get in touch with Danielle by writing her at danielle@danielletrussoni.com

Reviews

[Dan Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Danielle Trussoni's Angelology series, I was delighted at hearing about this kindle short story. Despite only being thirty pages long, this historical story doesn't disappoint. It has political and religious undertones that marries up well with the adventure and history presented so skilfully. The brilliant atmosphere of 18th century France really brings the tale of Behaine alive. Despite its fantasy feel, it reads as a Historical novel well researched and interpreted.

It is amazing how the author can create such a vivid and rich yarn to life in so few pages. Never has 'Once Upon a Time' been so deliciously told. As Behaine enters Versailles, you can feel the political unrest of the time period and of what is about to ensue. It also gives the reader detail after detail, and I'm sure, if I read it again, I'll pick up little bits I overlooked the first time.

A clever little tale, written by an undervalued author, well worth a read.

[Apriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a weird little story... I checked it out on my kindle without really reading what it was about and had no idea it was about real people and events. This sparked a google session and I learned something new so, for that, it was worth the thirty minutes to read this strange tale.

[Jan Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read--only 32 pages! Just a fun read.

[soda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short read, but one learns the value of silence.