Emma Orczy

Castles in the Air Emma Orczy

Castles in the Air, a short novel or perhaps more like a collection of short stories with memories of a French rogue in the early 19th century Paris, was published in 1921. Mr. Hector Ratichon-onetime aide to Robespierre and confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte-is a rascal and rogue of the highest order. The story is told in first person and is written as a memoir of his adventures, or more likely, misadventures. Ratichon is a self-styled confidant of kings and emperors. He often has his over-sensitive heart (his own description) taken advantage of by his rogue of a clerk, Theodore, as well as any pretty woman with a sad tale who dangles hope of a fortune in front of him.