Noemi by Sabine Baring-Gould (1895)

Name: Noemi
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould

The narrative unfolds in a tumultuous medieval setting, primarily focusing on the lives of Jean del' Peyra and Noemi, the daughter of the notorious freebooter, Le Gros Guillem. The story begins with Jean, a young man engaged in crafting a lance, who encounters Noemi while she is recklessly dismantling the steps leading to a castle built into a cliff. Their initial interaction reveals Noemi's bold and defiant nature, as she expresses a desire for adventure and mischief, while Jean admonishes her for her reckless behavior. As the plot progresses, the backdrop of the English occupation in Guyenne and the rampant lawlessness of the time is established. The narrative highlights the struggles of the common people against the marauding freebooters, particularly Le Gros Guillem, who has terrorized the region. Jean's father, Ogier del' Peyra, is captured by Guillem's men, leading to a desperate situation where Jean must navigate the treacherous landscape of feudal power dynamics to rescue him. Noemi, driven by a mix of impulsiveness and a desire to prove herself, intervenes in the conflict, ultimately leading to the release of Ogier through a risky scheme involving the ransom of a hundred livres, which she acquires by robbing the Jew Levi. This act of defiance against her father's criminal empire sets the stage for her internal conflict and the evolving dynamics between her and Jean. The climax of the story occurs when Ogier is imprisoned in an oubliette, and Jean must confront Le Gros Guillem to negotiate his father's release. The tension escalates as Noemi's life becomes intertwined with the fate of the Del' Peyras, leading her to propose a dangerous plan to leverage her own captivity as a bargaining chip for Ogier's freedom. The narrative culminates in a dramatic confrontation, where the peasants, inspired by the Del' Peyras' resistance, rise against Guillem's forces. The story explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the moral complexities of survival in a lawless world. Ultimately, it portrays the struggle for justice and the quest for personal agency amidst the chaos of medieval warfare and feudal oppression.

By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 26 chapters · 68,610 words

First lines

JEAN del' Peyra was standing scraping a staff to form a lance-shaft. The sun shone hot upon him, and at his feet lay his shadow as a blot.

He was too much engrossed in his work to look about him, till he heard a voice call from somewhere above his head --

What this Textopian page supports

Noemi is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Literary Fiction
Length: 68,610 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 1,556 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The novel is set in a specific historical context and explores themes relevant to that time period.
Romance — The plot centers around romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters.
Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure and exploration, contributing to the characters' journeys.
Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, focusing on character development and emotional conflicts.