A rich and sweeping novel of courage, duty, sacrifice, and love set during the French Revolution from New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki and her brother Owen Pataki

Three years after the storming of the Bastille, the streets of Paris are roiling with revolution. The citizens of France are enlivened by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The monarchy of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette has been dismantled—with the help of the guillotine—and a new nation is rising in its place. Jean-Luc, an idealistic young lawyer, moves his wife and their infant son from a comfortable life in Marseille to Paris, in the hopes of joining the cause. André, the son of a denounced nobleman, has evaded execution by joining the new French army. Sophie, a young aristocratic widow, embarks on her own fight for independence against her powerful, vindictive uncle. 

As chaos threatens to undo the progress of the Revolution and the demand for justice breeds instability and paranoia, the lives of these compatriots become inextricably linked. Jean-Luc, André, and Sophie find themselves in a world where survival seems increasingly less likely—for themselves and, indeed, for the nation.

Featuring cameos from legendary figures such as Robespierre, Louis XVI, and Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, Where the Light Falls is an epic and engrossing novel, moving from the streets and courtrooms of Paris to Napoleon’s epic march across the burning sands of Egypt. With vivid detail and imagery, the Patakis capture the hearts and minds of the citizens of France fighting for truth above all, and for their belief in a cause greater than themselves.

Advance praise for Where the Light Falls

“Succeeds in forcefully illustrating the lessons of the French Revolution for today’s democratic movements.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Devotees of Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo will devour this tale of heroism, treachery, and adventure.”—Library Journal 

“This is a story of the French Revolution that begins with your head in the slot watching how fast the blade of the guillotine is heading for your neck—and that’s nothing compared to the pace and the drama of what follows.”—Tom Wolfe

“A beautiful novel that captures the spirit of the French Revolution and the timeless themes of love and truth.”—Steven Pressfield

“While not stinting on gorgeous detail, Allison and Owen Pataki know exactly how to write a gripping historical novel that concentrates on the intimate stories playing out against the epic background of the French Revolution.”—Melanie Benjamin, author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue

“For all those who didn’t want Les Misérables to end, Where the Light Falls takes us past the pristine archives to the blood and bones of the French Revolution, commanding our attention and winning our hearts.”—Sarah McCoy, author of The Mapmaker’s Children

“Delivers everything a reader hopes for in a great book: passion, intrigue, insights, and, above all, a story you won’t soon forget.”—Michelle Moran, author of Nefertiti

“This luminous tale of love and betrayal in a world gone mad is as timely as it is timeless.”—Juliet Grey, author of the Marie Antoinette trilogy

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 2 members.