by Béroul
First published 1978
Tristan serves his uncle King Mark of Cornwall as a loyal knight until fate intervenes. When he escorts the Irish princess Yseult to marry his uncle, both accidentally consume a magic love potion meant for the wedding night. The draught binds them in passionate, uncontrollable love that defies duty and honor. For years they conduct their secret affair while Yseult lives as Mark's queen. The king's suspicious barons watch constantly for proof of the betrayal. As the potion's magic slowly weakens, the lovers face increasingly dangerous accusations. Tristan and Yseult must choose between their forbidden love and the loyalty they owe to Mark. Béroul portrays his characters as impulsive and sometimes violent people caught in circumstances beyond their control. This twelfth-century French manuscript captures two souls fighting against a destiny that will ultimately destroy them.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, star-crossed-lovers
Setting: Cornwall
Period: 12th-century
176 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics
Content warnings: violence