Sepulchre (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
Sepulchre is a historical fiction novel written by English author Kate Mosse and published in 2007. The narrative unfolds across two interconnected timelines, set in 1891 and the contemporary year of 2007, following the journeys of two female leads. Released by Orion Books, this work forms a part of the Languedoc Trilogy.
Plot summary
The story begins in 1891 with Léonie Vernier departing Paris for the Carcassonne area alongside her brother Anatole, responding to an invitation from Isolde, the widow of their uncle. Anatole’s past involvement with Isolde sparks the jealousy of her former lover, Victor Constant, who pursues them relentlessly. The siblings reside temporarily in a rural setting until Constant arrives, intent on vengeance.
In the modern timeline of 2007, Meredith Martin, an American, travels to France to conduct research on composer Claude Debussy for a biography and to investigate her biological mother’s background. Her discoveries reveal connections between her ancestry and Léonie’s family, shedding light on hidden aspects of Carcassonne’s history.
Central to the plot is Domaine de la Cade, an elegant estate in Rennes-les-Bains that belonged to Léonie’s deceased uncle Jules and later to Isolde—who eventually becomes Anatole’s spouse—in 1891. By Meredith’s time, this property functions as an upscale hotel. The narrative also includes scenes set in both contemporary and historical Paris as well as nearby villages.
Themes involving the occult and tarot play a significant role, linking the two heroines through mystical visions associated with tarot imagery and a small church known as a Sepulchre located on the estate grounds.
Characters from Mosse's earlier novel Labyrinth make brief appearances. Negotiations regarding film adaptation rights are currently ongoing.