Madame Two Swords is a beautifully written tale set in an alternate France, 200 years after their failed revolution. Things seemed to have stood still for the majority of the population. Jobs are scarce and poverty rife. Perhaps then it is of little surprise that the heroine of the tale is so deeply drawn to one of the heroes of the revolution, Lucien de Cappays, even though it was by chance discovery that she became so obsessed by him.
The story is both complex and simple and turns full circle in that most satisfying of ways. The characters are rich and exciting, even those barely sketched out background characters feel real. The settings are brought to life with vivid descriptions. It is a wonderful book.
I have heard of Tanith Lee before, of course, probably first through the writings of Storm Constantine. Lee was a legend, who sadly passed a couple of years ago, but not before receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for fantasy fiction.
This new edition of the novella (first published in 1988) contains gorgeous illustrations by Jarod Mills. It is published by Immanion Press and available in paperback and kindle.