Book Description
After inheriting an old Pennsylvania farm, Daniel Clements, a failed entrepreneur, begins to recall memories from a previous life. After discovering an Impressionist painting in a closet, he finds that his Civil War era relative led a fascinating life. Known to his family as 'The General,' Dan finds that his great relative spoke German, traveled throughout Europe, and met a Russian emigré named Barbe De Kolbassov in Paris in the year 1870. On a research trip to Paris, Dan is involved in a traffic accident that transforms him into the man he never thought possible. He realizes that he has become Colonel Joshua Clements visiting Paris in 1870. As the memory of his later existence fades, he indulges in what Second Empire France has to offer. He meets and falls in love with Barbe De Kolbassov just as France is whipped into a war frenzy against its bitter Prussian rivals. Knowing that the French military is pitifully unprepared, he tries to stop and then bears witness to their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The Prussian army soon encircles Paris, trapping the people he cares for inside. He then returns to Paris to endure a five month siege and the turmoil of France's Terrible Year...
