Of Swirls and Blood

One of the greatest heroines of the 100 Years’ Warplot

1343. At the beginning of the Breton War of Succession (in present-day Brittany) a pact is signed between England and France. Jeanne de Belleville is relieved.

Captured by the British, Olivier de Clisson, the love of her life, was just released and has returned to Jeanne. The King of France even invites Clisson to the prestigious tournament that follows the marriage of his second son.

And yet, at the conclusion of the jousting match from which he emerges as the winner, Clisson is captured, accused of having ties to the King of England.

Two days later, he is beheaded. Overcome with pain and the feeling of having been wronged, Jeanne unites the warring Bretons to form an army as she rallies the British on board of her ship Ma Vengeance (“My Revenge”). Out of love, one man eventually saves her from being hanged for treason.

“Jeanne de Belleville has haunted me for many years. She is the most emotionally powerful figure that I’ve met since I began writing.”
Mireille Calmel