Promise of the Black Monks

By Robert E. Hirsch

Born of nobility in France in the year 1066, the fate of seven-year-old Tristan de Saint-Germain is thrown to the winds upon the execution of his father for treason against William the Conqueror of Normandy. Then, abandoned by his mother who remarries and departs for England, Tristan and his four-year-old brother find themselves thrown into the monastic world of the Benedictine Black Monks of Cluny, France. Under the tutelage of Grand Prior Odo de Lagery, who one day will ascend to the very pinnacle of power within the Catholic Church in Rome, Tristan develops into an academic and linguistic prodigy by the age of twelve and becomes known as the Promise of the Black Monks.
Tristan’s unusual talents become useful to the Benedictines as well as to Rome, and the boy soon finds himself pulled into the visceral power struggle between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Heinrich IV as they mercilessly wage spiritual, political and military war upon each other to claim supremacy over the continent of Europe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W & B Publishers
• Release date: Feb 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781942981626

Robert E. Hirsch

Robert E. Hirsch was born in Pusan, Korea, in 1949. In 1953, Hirsch’s mother sent him to the United States to live with his biological father due to Korea’s harsh wartime conditions. He spent the next thirteen years as a military dependent, traveling all over America and passing three years in France, where he attended school at a French lycée. Hirsch graduated from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began teaching French and social studies. He retired in 2012 after forty years, having served during his career as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Hirsch has lived with his wife, Melissa, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, along the Gulf Coast, since 1980.

Reviews for Promise of the Black Monks

[GASR2017 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Page turning historical novel. Hirsch builds a cast of characters you come to know and sympathise with (or hate). The 11th century Mideval setting is really described well. You find youself getting history lessons while identifying with ancient historical figures at a very human level and being engrossed in the very compelling (mostly true) storyline. Jumps between settings in Norman England, Saxon Scotland, Northern and Royal Fance, and Holy Roman Italy and Germany. It is hard to put this novel down once you start, one of the best books I have read in a while! I already moved on to the next book in the series!