Barlasch of the Guard

On a sunny wedding day in Danzig, Désirée Sebastian and the French lieutenant Charles Darragon leave church laughing with the children gathered outside. Their happiness sits uneasily beside the growing French garrison. When Napoleon's carriage passes the bridal party, Charles is overwhelmed and Désirée's father anxiously asks whether the Emperor has seen him. The scene brings family feeling and imperial power into the same narrow streets.

Later, Désirée travels by sleigh with Barlasch through a winter landscape crowded with exhausted troops. The old soldier stops to greet an old acquaintance, exchanges news and returns to the horses with fresh concern. His gruff tenderness toward Désirée gives these scenes a personal focus amid military hardship. This historical novel offers readers a view of war through weddings, friendships, local gossip and difficult travel, with the city's daily life set against the demands of Napoleon's armies.