Robert Michael Ballantyne

The Fugitives - The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar Robert Michael Ballantyne

The Fugitives is a historical fiction set on the island nation of Madagascar, during the reign of the murderous and tyrannical Queen Ranavalona I.

The protagonists are a trio of Englishmen who inadvertently arrive on Madagascar after their ship is marooned in an attack. Already knowing the grisly reputation of the island's queen, they see no alternative for escape than to proceed through the wilderness to the capital city to make a plea for assistance in leaving the place.

The men witness the persecution of Christians, who became a targeted minority under the reign of Ranavalona. Often, believers were put to death by gruesome methods - weaving truth into his narrative, the author portrays the local Christians as valiantly dedicated to their beliefs in the face of abysmal treatment. Despite witnessing such oppression, our heroes nevertheless become caught up in several adventures in their quest for departing Madagascar.

The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar had already gained a lasting and notorious reputation by the time this story was first published in 1887. The author's research into Ranavalona's psychological profile and dictatorial nature form the basis of her characterization; as one of the only fictional accounts of her reign, this novel offers a distinctive and unique read.