In exitu Israel : $b an historical novel, volume 1 (of 2)

"In Exitu Israel: An Historical Novel, Volume 1" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Thomas Lindet, the parish priest of Bernay, during the tumultuous times just before the French Revolution. The book explores the challenges faced by Lindet and his community against the backdrop of oppressive clerical and noble hierarchies, highlighting themes of social injustice and the struggle for reform. The opening of the novel presents a richly detailed setting, describing the hardships of the town of Bernay and the burdens imposed by the Abbey and the aristocracy on its residents. Thomas Lindet emerges as a passionate and principled character who grapples with his role in a system that exploits the very people he serves. As he talks with his friend Jean Lebertre about the injustices faced by the common folk, his frustrations surface—culminating in his decision to confront a bishop about the oppressive status quo. The narrative is imbued with historical context, addressing the ecclesiastical struggles, societal inequalities, and the societal attitudes that foreshadow the coming Revolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)