描述
This book is historical fiction. The 'history' line of the narrative follows the challenges a group of Royalist French emigres faced as they escaped Paris and came to Philadelphia in 1793. They proceeded to travel up the Susquehanna River to establish a town in what was then wilderness, French Azylum. The 'fiction' element tells the coming-of-age story of one boy, Alain, who along with his mother manage an Inn at Azylum. Alain falls under the influence of a man of questionable character, Gaspard, who has secrets from France and uses deceit to influence Alain in a way that may change the course of European history. One central issue is why did Alain's father remain in France and not stay with his family as they made their way to Azylum? Along the way, Alain grows up, learns vital lessons about class status, falls in love and ultimately learns the truth about his father.