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The Life and Death of My Lord Gilles de Rais
A recreation of the Bluebeard story which follows a French Army captain, executed in Brittany in 1440. The list of his crimes include witchcraft, heresy, sacrilege, sorcery, the evocations of demons and the practice of unnatural crime against children, ending with their murder for his delight.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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188 people want to read
About the author
Robert Nye
72 books47 followersRobert Nye was an English writer, playwright and poet.
Nye started writing stories for children to entertain his three young sons. Nye published his first adult novel, Doubtfire, in 1967.
Nye's next publication after Doubtfire was a return to children's literature, a freewheeling version of Beowulf which has remained in print in many editions since 1968. In 1970, he published another children's book, Wishing Gold, and received the James Kennaway Memorial Award for his collection of short stories, Tales I Told My Mother (1969).
During the early 1970s Nye wrote several plays for BBC radio including “A Bloody Stupit Hole” (1970), “Reynolds, Reynolds” (1971), and a version of Penthesilea by Heinrich von Kleist (1971). He was also commissioned by Covent Garden to write an unpublished libretto for Harrison Birtwistle's opera, Kronia (1970). Nye held the position of writer in residence at the University of Edinburgh, 1976-1977, during which time he received the Guardian fiction prize, followed by the 1976 Hawthornden Prize for his novel Falstaff.
He continued to write poetry, publishing Darker Ends (1969) and Divisions on a Ground (1976), and to prepare editions of other poets with whose work he felt an affinity: Sir Walter Ralegh, William Barnes, and Laura Riding. His own Collected Poems appeared in 1995. His selected poems, entitled The Rain and The Glass, published in 2005, won the Cholmondeley Award. From 1977 he lived in County Cork, Ireland. Although his novels have won prizes and been translated into many languages, it is as a poet that he would probably have preferred to be remembered. The critic Gabriel Josipovici described him as "one of the most interesting poets writing today, with a voice unlike that of any of his contemporaries."
Nye started writing stories for children to entertain his three young sons. Nye published his first adult novel, Doubtfire, in 1967.
Nye's next publication after Doubtfire was a return to children's literature, a freewheeling version of Beowulf which has remained in print in many editions since 1968. In 1970, he published another children's book, Wishing Gold, and received the James Kennaway Memorial Award for his collection of short stories, Tales I Told My Mother (1969).
During the early 1970s Nye wrote several plays for BBC radio including “A Bloody Stupit Hole” (1970), “Reynolds, Reynolds” (1971), and a version of Penthesilea by Heinrich von Kleist (1971). He was also commissioned by Covent Garden to write an unpublished libretto for Harrison Birtwistle's opera, Kronia (1970). Nye held the position of writer in residence at the University of Edinburgh, 1976-1977, during which time he received the Guardian fiction prize, followed by the 1976 Hawthornden Prize for his novel Falstaff.
He continued to write poetry, publishing Darker Ends (1969) and Divisions on a Ground (1976), and to prepare editions of other poets with whose work he felt an affinity: Sir Walter Ralegh, William Barnes, and Laura Riding. His own Collected Poems appeared in 1995. His selected poems, entitled The Rain and The Glass, published in 2005, won the Cholmondeley Award. From 1977 he lived in County Cork, Ireland. Although his novels have won prizes and been translated into many languages, it is as a poet that he would probably have preferred to be remembered. The critic Gabriel Josipovici described him as "one of the most interesting poets writing today, with a voice unlike that of any of his contemporaries."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 1, 2024
This was an excellent semi-fictionalized account of Gilles de Rais (a.k.a. Bluebeard): ultra-wealthy knight and lord, heroic leader of the French Army, devout Christian, companion of Joan of Arc, satanist, and murderer of between 80 and 200 children taken from the various surrounding villages that he presided over. Told in the first person by Father Eustache, who really did serve under de Rais, it expertly melds fact and fiction to produce a terrifying account of perhaps the most brutal and horrific serial killer of all-time.
One thing that fascinates me was his devotion to Christianity (and at least in this version, his devotion to Joan of Arc), because I can't wrap my head around the immense paradox. Why did he throw such rich, extravagant Catholic masses and plays in honor of Joan by day, yet turn into a vicious, black magic-practicing monster at night? This is part of why I find the story of de Rais so interesting, as disgusting and twisted as it is. Also, why did his servants not only look the other way, but even take part in these horrible crimes? Author Robert Nye, I feel, does a much better job of bringing you inside the life and times of de Rais than other straight biographies or trial records.
Just to warn you, the descriptions of the tortures and murders of children in the final chapters can be hard to stomach, but I feel they were necessary in order to paint a more accurate portrait of just what a fascinating enigma Gilles de Rais was.
4.0 Stars
One thing that fascinates me was his devotion to Christianity (and at least in this version, his devotion to Joan of Arc), because I can't wrap my head around the immense paradox. Why did he throw such rich, extravagant Catholic masses and plays in honor of Joan by day, yet turn into a vicious, black magic-practicing monster at night? This is part of why I find the story of de Rais so interesting, as disgusting and twisted as it is. Also, why did his servants not only look the other way, but even take part in these horrible crimes? Author Robert Nye, I feel, does a much better job of bringing you inside the life and times of de Rais than other straight biographies or trial records.
Just to warn you, the descriptions of the tortures and murders of children in the final chapters can be hard to stomach, but I feel they were necessary in order to paint a more accurate portrait of just what a fascinating enigma Gilles de Rais was.
4.0 Stars
October 13, 2020
Anyone watching Netflix in the 1400s will remember the popular series Maykying a Myrderyr, starring Gilles de Rais as the put-upon aristocrat valiantly fighting against the forces of the church and the establishment, before being hanged and burned for the abuse and murder of over 140+ children in episode 128. This novel recaps.
October 21, 2014
A delicious psychological study, using heretical theology to plausibly explain how a man could be both the heroic champion of Joan of Arc and the perpetrator of abominable crimes.
Of course, the alternative - that he was falsely denounced by his nephews for the sake of his estate, and that this was seized on by authorities wishing to punish him for his previous political activities - is also hinted at.
This is a subtle novel, with elements of a both mystery and gothic horror, as our priestly ingenu discovers the secrets of the castle... and the mystery of why his pious lord attends many masses, but never receives the Host.
Of course, the alternative - that he was falsely denounced by his nephews for the sake of his estate, and that this was seized on by authorities wishing to punish him for his previous political activities - is also hinted at.
This is a subtle novel, with elements of a both mystery and gothic horror, as our priestly ingenu discovers the secrets of the castle... and the mystery of why his pious lord attends many masses, but never receives the Host.
August 25, 2015
Assuming you can stand some of the descriptions of dreadful crimes that this book contains, it is a fascinating read on several levels. Certainly there is the deviation of de Rey and the horror of the crimes which the book is basically about. It is the story of the life of French nobleman and Marshal of France, Gilles de Rey, known after his death as Bluebeard, and about whom many legends went on to exist, based on this original truth. Nye's own novel set in the same time period, mid 1400s, is heavily based on truth.
But it is a historical novel of note for other reasons also. De Rey's story is entwined with that of Joan of Arc. That period is of considerable interest for many reasons, not least the power that the Church had in running France and Italy.
In terms of its sheer shock value it is a match for de Sade, Rasputin and The Story of 'O', and I am surprised it is not nearly as much known. Was de Rey the most evil person of all time?
Interestingly, in his 'defence' de Rey says that the ideas of his crimes had come from reading about Tiberius and Caligula when he was a youth. In the same way now perhaps that serial killers speak of their influence from movies or violent video games. The seed is sewn somewhere, this is nothing new.
The lead review on Goodreads suggests this is a 'recreation of the Bluebeard story'. Having read Nye's notes at the end of the book and researched a little more I think that it is not that. The story of de Rey gave rise to the Bluebeard legend. As the years passed the story became exaggerated and added to.
But it is a historical novel of note for other reasons also. De Rey's story is entwined with that of Joan of Arc. That period is of considerable interest for many reasons, not least the power that the Church had in running France and Italy.
In terms of its sheer shock value it is a match for de Sade, Rasputin and The Story of 'O', and I am surprised it is not nearly as much known. Was de Rey the most evil person of all time?
Interestingly, in his 'defence' de Rey says that the ideas of his crimes had come from reading about Tiberius and Caligula when he was a youth. In the same way now perhaps that serial killers speak of their influence from movies or violent video games. The seed is sewn somewhere, this is nothing new.
The lead review on Goodreads suggests this is a 'recreation of the Bluebeard story'. Having read Nye's notes at the end of the book and researched a little more I think that it is not that. The story of de Rey gave rise to the Bluebeard legend. As the years passed the story became exaggerated and added to.
November 20, 2018
Excellent and evocatively written depiction of Gilles de Rais by his priest. Not for the sensitive, as this book details the gruesome and horrific crimes committed on young children. It has a macabre and decadent feel to it as de Rais is obsessed with the Roman emperors - in particular Caligula. A novel of corruption, excess and indulgence, perversity, heresy and cruelty.
Apparently there is a modern movement to aquit de Rais of the crimes he was hanged/burnt for, and he is believed to have been framed by the church due to his extreme wealth and connections to Joan of Arc who was burnt at the stake as a heretic. No physical evidence for the 140 murders he supposedly committed was ever found.
Apparently there is a modern movement to aquit de Rais of the crimes he was hanged/burnt for, and he is believed to have been framed by the church due to his extreme wealth and connections to Joan of Arc who was burnt at the stake as a heretic. No physical evidence for the 140 murders he supposedly committed was ever found.
November 8, 2011
Being brought up with tales of Joan of Arc and of Bluebeard, I had no idea of their connection until reading this novel based on the later life (the Bluebeard part) of Gilles de Rais, one of military men behind Joan's exploits. Nor, for that matter, had I heard of her posthumous imposter and of their connection.
Very well written, this book attempts to explore the juxtaposition of good and evil, great goodness and awful evil, in one person.
Very well written, this book attempts to explore the juxtaposition of good and evil, great goodness and awful evil, in one person.
December 3, 2016
I first heard of Gilles de Rais through a Cradle of Filth album ...Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder...it was a concept album based on the fall from grace of de Rais from his lofty heights as a nobleman and lieutenant of Joan of Arc to a convicted serial child murderer...typical black metal fare really...anyhow this book possibly acted as a reference point certainly the phrase honey and sulphur is contained herein and is also the title of one of the CD tracks.
I however digress from a CD review and have to say whereas as a piece of work Godspeed dealt really with the wicked mythology of de rais third book tries to explain how a supposed ardent Christian could commit such heinous crimes and still consider himself a man of God.
Then again against the background of theological wars that paradox isn't such a stretch...it was a enjoyable book fictionalized but drawing from historical records..whether de Rais was the fiend purported or forced into confession through threat of torture and excommunication(which was a big deal for him)...is debatable however presuming as much evidence suggests it is the former this is a decent account which tries hard to explain how good and evil could reside in one man...
I however digress from a CD review and have to say whereas as a piece of work Godspeed dealt really with the wicked mythology of de rais third book tries to explain how a supposed ardent Christian could commit such heinous crimes and still consider himself a man of God.
Then again against the background of theological wars that paradox isn't such a stretch...it was a enjoyable book fictionalized but drawing from historical records..whether de Rais was the fiend purported or forced into confession through threat of torture and excommunication(which was a big deal for him)...is debatable however presuming as much evidence suggests it is the former this is a decent account which tries hard to explain how good and evil could reside in one man...
September 23, 2020
Undoubtedly a masterpiece. One of the best I've read.
February 17, 2014
Odd.
This book a about three people, in varying degrees as the book progresses - the eponymous hero of the book Gille de Rais, Father Eustache Blanchet the narrator, and Joan of Arc.
Father Eustache is trying to come to terms with the horrors he has been exposed to by Gilles de Rais, no spoiler as he admits all this from the beginning, and the narrative, though taking us through Eustache's story, does concentrate it's most enlightening passages to explaining this away, to find a cause for Gilles's evil and to marry that (literally?) to Gilles's closeness, in most senses, to Joan of Arc. We are invited to do the same.
There is a warning to go with this book - the last few chapters are disturbing and those of a delicate disposition should not attempt the book, or at least avoid the confessions. To be honest you know enough to understand the judgement without it.
As a piece of historical fiction is surpasses most by not only using primary sources in its research but quoting lengthily from them so the court scenes blur the lines between fiction and history more than any other novel I have read.
Different, but I'm far from certain I will revisit it.
This book a about three people, in varying degrees as the book progresses - the eponymous hero of the book Gille de Rais, Father Eustache Blanchet the narrator, and Joan of Arc.
Father Eustache is trying to come to terms with the horrors he has been exposed to by Gilles de Rais, no spoiler as he admits all this from the beginning, and the narrative, though taking us through Eustache's story, does concentrate it's most enlightening passages to explaining this away, to find a cause for Gilles's evil and to marry that (literally?) to Gilles's closeness, in most senses, to Joan of Arc. We are invited to do the same.
There is a warning to go with this book - the last few chapters are disturbing and those of a delicate disposition should not attempt the book, or at least avoid the confessions. To be honest you know enough to understand the judgement without it.
As a piece of historical fiction is surpasses most by not only using primary sources in its research but quoting lengthily from them so the court scenes blur the lines between fiction and history more than any other novel I have read.
Different, but I'm far from certain I will revisit it.
April 5, 2014
I do not believe I have ever read a more compelling historical novel; written as fiction but heavily based in fact, it is an amazing read that I heavily suggest to anyone interested in history, Joan or Arc, or Gilles de Rais. The language used was beautiful, even if the subject matter was not. This was one of the best books that I have read period, let alone recently. Worth the time, so read it!
July 26, 2012
Engrossing, fantastic, unbelievable and shocking.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews