A stunning debut novel by Count Guy de la Valdène. A novel of desire, murder and chilling revenge. "[This is] a debut with the feel of a nineteenth century novel. De la Valdène's description of the Norman forests and wildlife are rich and graceful, and he expertly captures the shades of difference between the privileged life of the aristocracy, town life and Vincent's sheltered existence." --Publishers Weekly "Guy de la Valdène's Red Stag is beautifully written; it is both a fine sporting novel and literature." --Jim Harrison " Red Stag is a gripping, deeply felt story embedded in a cherished and closely observed world still ruled by the laws of nature." --Tom McGuane "A highly appealing first novel. The novel's pleasures derive largely from de la Valdène's ability to bring an idyllic rural community convincingly to life. De la Valdène has also peopled the novel with a variety of vividly drawn characters. Part love story, part coming-of-age adventure, and part pastoral, this offers many old-fashioned pleasures--including a certain rustic, romantic charm. Highly recommended." --Library Journal "This is an absolutely beautiful book, whose intelligence and wit are testaments to the grandest storytelling. Reading Red Stag is like walking outside on the most glorious October afternoon of your life--you are moved by grandeur. The writing in this book lights up like a cathedral in your head. Guy de la Valdène is a masterful writer." --Doug Stanton, author of In Harm's Way " Red Stag is one of the best novels I have read in years: a story set in the beautifully evoked deep countryside of Normandy, a landscape that surrounds the characters the way a river does a trout." --Field & Stream  “ Red Stag is a lovely novel that offers an intimate glimpse into a rarified, forgotten world. A story of friendship and family, loyalty and betrayal, revenge and forbidden love, it is beautifully written, full of heartbreak and longing, and the final brutal solace of the natural world.” —Jim Fergus, author of One Thousand White Women Red Stag is a tantalizing coming of age love story set against the backdrop of a lush estate in Normandy, France. Nineteen-year-old Vincent, the son of the Countess's maid (and whose childhood was one of ambiguous privilege) has just returned from his last year at boarding school to spend the summer on the Count's estate, where his uncle is gamekeeper and where Vincent himself was raised. Shortly after his return, his uncle is discovered brutally murdered and Vincent vows revenge. Meanwhile, the village is in a state of agitation, anticipating the opening day of the ritualized hunt, with hounds and horses, for the royal red stag. In the midst of it all, Nicole, the count's daughter, returns to the estate from America. As the search for the murderer's identity intensifies and the stag hunt approaches, Nicole and Vincent find themselves inexorably drawn together. The secrets revealed leave no one innocent, exposing the potential of extremes--from devout loyalty to bitter cruelty--within the human heart. Atmospheric and exotic, Red Stag is textured by the wildlife and the rivers and woods of Normandy. It is beautifully written, near-cinematic in its clarity, suspenseful, and utterly unforgettable. Guy de la Valene was born and raised in France.  His earlier books include For a Handfulof Feathers , and Making Game: An Essay on Woodcock.   He is the also the author of the forthcoming The Fragrance of Grass .  His articles have appeared in Sports Afield, Field & Stream, among other publications.  He lives on an 800-acre farm.  Red Stag is his first novel. Used Book in Good Condition