Plot Summary

The Gods Will Have Blood

Anatole France
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The Gods Will Have Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1912

Book Brief

Anatole France

The Gods Will Have Blood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1912
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1790s

Publication Year

1912

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Gods Will Have Blood, written by Anatole France in 1912, is set during the French Revolution of 1789 and follows Évariste Gamelin, a young Parisian painter inspired by revolutionary ideals. As he gains power as a magistrate under Robespierre, he becomes increasingly consumed by his duty to uphold the Reign of Terror, leading to moral and personal downfall. The book explores themes of political fanaticism, the impact of radical ideology, and the tragic consequences of ideological purity. The book addresses sensitive topics such as violence, the Reign of Terror, and miscarriage of justice.

Dark

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

3.9

2,897 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Gods Will Have Blood by Anatole France is widely praised for its incisive portrayal of the French Revolution and its profound philosophical insights. Reviewers commend its historical accuracy and compelling character development. However, some criticize the pacing and find its dense prose challenging. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and richly detailed historical novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Gods Will Have Blood?

Readers who relish historical fiction with rich philosophical undertones will enjoy Anatole France's The Gods Will Have Blood. Ideal for fans of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, this novel captivates with its portrayal of the French Revolution’s moral complexities and intense character studies.

3.9

2,897 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1790s

Publication Year

1912

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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