Summary
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman is a historical novel set in 14th-century France against the backdrop of the Black Death. Published in 2012, this dark fantasy tale weaves together elements of medieval history, mythology, and supernatural horror to create a unique and haunting narrative. The novel follows Thomas, a disgraced knight, and Delphine, a mysterious young girl who claims to have seen angels, as they travel across a plague-ravaged landscape. Along their journey,, they encounter demonic forces and celestial beings, blurring the lines between faith and madness. Immersing readers in a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, Between Two Fires has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and thought-provoking explorat
Plot
Set in 1348 during the Black Death, Between Two Fires follows Thomas, a disgraced knight, who encounters a young orphan girl named Delphine in a deserted Norman village. Delphine claims that the plague is part of a larger conflict—a second war between fallen angels and heaven. She convinces Thomas to escort her to Avignon, where she believes she must confront the evil devastating the earth.
As they journey across a ravaged France, Thomas and Delphine are joined by Father Matthieu, an alcoholic priest with a troubled past. The group faces numerous supernatural challenges, including battles with possessed religious statues and encounters with fallen angels. Their faith and resolve are tested as they witness the horrors of the plague-stricken landscape and confront demonic forces.
Upon reaching Avignon, Delphine reveals that the Pope has been replaced by a demon and must be killed. With the help of Matthieu's brother Robert, they arrange a meeting with Pope Clement VI. In a climactic confrontation, the true Pope is resurrected, and a battle ensues between the forces of Heaven and Hell. Thomas and Robert are killed in the fight, and Delphine sacrifices herself, revealing her true celestial nature.
The novel concludes with Thomas's soul being dragged to Hell, only to be rescued by Delphine. He awakens to find that the supernatural events have been forgotten by all except him. Years later, as an old Franciscan monk, Thomas visits Delphine, now a nun with no memory of their quest, bringing the story full circle.
Themes
Struggle between good and evil
Crisis of faith and redemption
Impact of plague on medieval society
Journey as spiritual transformation
Blurred lines between reality and supernatural
Power of innocence and belief
Moral ambiguity in times of crisis
Setting
Set in 1348 France, Between Two Fires unfolds during the tumultuous era of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. This period of widespread disease and death serves as a haunting canvas for Buehlman's tale of supernatural conflict.
The story primarily takes place in France, with the characters embarking on a perilous journey across a ravaged landscape. Their trek begins in Normandy, a region in northern France, and takes them through Paris, the country's capital. The ultimate destination is Avignon, a city in southeastern France that served as the seat of the Papacy during this period.
Throughout their journey, the protagonists encounter various locales that reflect the grim reality of medieval France during the plague years. Dead Norman villages, depraved landscapes, and the River Rhône all feature prominently, painting a vivid picture of a world caught between earthly devastation and supernatural warfare. The setting serves not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story, embodying the literal and figurative hell that has been unleashed upon the mortal realm.
Characters
Thomas: The primary protagonist, a disgraced French knight turned brigand who struggles with his lost faith and honor. He reluctantly agrees to escort Delphine on her journey and experiences supernatural events that challenge his understanding of the world.
Delphine: A mysterious young orphan girl with seemingly divine powers who convinces Thomas to take her to Avignon on a holy mission. Delphine's true nature is gradually revealed to be more complex and powerful than initially believed.
Father Matthieu: An alcoholic gay priest who joins Thomas and Delphine on their journey. Matthieu provides comic relief and wisdom, while grappling with his own past sins and lost faith.
Comte d'Évreux: The antagonist who represents the corruption of the nobility. Évreux stole Thomas's lands and had him excommunicated.
Robert: Father Matthieu's brother and servant/lover to a cardinal in Avignon. He helps arrange the climactic meeting with the Pope and plays a key role in the final confrontation.
Pope Clement VI: The true Pope who has been replaced by a demonic impostor. His resurrection sets up the final battle between good and evil.
Quick facts
Between Two Fires is set in 1348 France during the height of the Black Death.
The novel portrays a second war between Heaven and Hell occurring alongside the plague.
Religious themes and medieval Christian worldviews play a major role in the plot.
Critics praised Buehlman's prose and his ability to blend horror and supernatural elements with historical settings.
Buehlman won the 2007 Bridport Prize for poetry before writing this novel.
About the Author
Christopher Buehlman is a multi-talented writer and artist. As an author, he is primarily known for combining elements of horror and fantasy with historical fiction. His novels include Those Across the River (2011), which received a World Fantasy Award nomination for best novel, and Between Two Fires (2012). Recognized as a poet, he won the prestigious Bridport Prize in poetry in 2007. He has also written several provocative plays, including Hot Nights for the War Wives of Ithaka.
Buehlman has cultivated a cult following in the renaissance festival circuit under the moniker Christophe the Insultor. This comedic alter ego highlights yet another facet of Buehlman's artistic repertoire. A native of Florida, he currently lives in St. Petersburg, and continues to weave tales that captivate and unsettle readers in equal measure.
