When Nostradamus, wild-eyed and trembling, proclaims to the assembled French court his prophecy of massacre a young King Charles merely laughs. Catherine d’Medici, the King’s mother, however takes these words very seriously for she believes he really can see the future. Nostradamus does not only have prophecies for France’s rulers, there are also messages for others at court, Melisande, the minstrel’s daughter is one...

The Nostradamus Prophecy is a multi-faceted and fascinating insight into the intrigues of the court of France; the religious wars of the sixteenth century; and the prophecies of Nostradamus. It explores the themes of trust, betrayal, friendship and love.

 Melisande is a minstrel, along with her father and sister she plays and sings in the royal court for King Charles of France. The young King is still a child and very much under the control of his mother and advisors. Melisande is a strong-willed, free spirit who quickly finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, passion and murder. When Nostradamus prophesies the misfortune that befalls her family she is forced to take on a disguise, travel to find him and attempt to ensure that not  his prophecies saved for future generations.

.In her author’s note, Breslin explains that she has based the story on real historical events and though some of  it may be rather too advanced for the reader to fully comprehend. She has kept the detail succinct and the characters are cleverly used as vehicles for explaining some of the more complex political twists and turns.

Theresa Breslin is a compelling story teller, able to weave history, religion, fact and fiction into a though-provoking, powerful and compelling novel. Her research has clearly involved some painstaking detail ensuring that the characters and events are historically accurate and allowing the reader to be carried through the novel, soaking up the atmosphere and tension and wondering if Nostradamus really did predict a sixth extinction. This is a fantastic novel with a serious and subtle message for its readers to consider.

2008-06-14