In the 1800s, a Hussar represented a fierce mounted soldier. Years of training produced a formidable fighting force for any army—Prussian or French. Field Marshall von Blücher effectively used Hussar regiments in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1814.

Hussars attached to a light cavalry regiment were soldiers to be reckoned with. Aside from their fighting prowess they also stood out with their colourful uniforms. A distinctive feature of the soldier’s tunic was the pelisse, a short fur-edged jacket that was casually slung over his shoulder, much like a cape. This pelisse adequately covered the dolman (tunic). Both garments were ornately decorated with braids and buttons, adding to the impressive visage.

As a translator, I’m always intrigued how an author conjures up elements of history and intertwines them with fictional characters. Hussars played a significant role in history and author Karl May chose to include and feature these formidable soldiers in his series, Die Liebe des Ulanen (in German), The Hussar’s Love (in English).

While Napoleon is banished to Elba and Prussian forces occupy Paris, diplomats try to deal with an angry French populace. Karl May’s creative lens allows the reader to experience the Napoleonic era of the early 1800s. A young Hussar officer’s chance encounter with a cantankerous French captain in a local tavern, provides the elements for conflict that seems to escalate with each chapter.

The Prussian Lieutenant, the first book of a six-part series, sets the stage for the drama. Our young hero, Hugo von Löwenklau faces a formidable adversary, Captain Albin Richemonte. Hugo soon learns what a cunning and ruthless enemy Richemonte turns out to be.

Captain Richemonte, a member of France’s Old Guard, despises the Prussian victors. When Lieutenant von Löwenklau upsets Richemonte’s plans of marrying off his sister to a wealthy baron, the captain resorts to all sorts of dastardly means, propelling both men into a prolonged conflict neither could have anticipated.

Karl May weaves a tale that spans three generations, taking the reader from the streets of Paris, France, to the vast desserts of Algiers, Africa, to stately Berlin, Germany, and ending on the battlefields in France. Through it all, we see how Richemonte forges plans that few would have dreamed of, much less carried out. But then, every story needs a villain who will test the strength and resilience of the protagonist. Richemonte truly fits the bill of an antagonist and becomes Hugo’s lifelong nemesis.

In a masterful way, Karl May draws the reader into the world of the 1800s, introducing characters that will ultimately face the devious Richemonte. It truly becomes a conflict between good and evil. Finally, the saga wraps up with the last installment, The Hussar’s Return. The reader may be surprised to learn that the irrepressible Richemonte is not only alive (approaching ninety years), but we find him actively plotting to rid himself of the Löwenklau family once and for all.

Begin the adventure with the first book, The Prussian Lieutenant. You won’t be disappointed.