Guinevere Glasfurd

Privilege is set in the 18th century France of an Enlightenment at odds with the absolute power of the King determined to suppress opposition on pain of death.

Delphine Vimond flees to Paris after being cast out from her home in Rouen when her father is disgraced. Into her life tumbles Chancery Smith, apprentice printer from London, sent to discover the mysterious author of potentially seditious papers marked only D.

In a battle of wits with the French censor, Henri Gilbert, Delphine and Chancery set off in a frantic search for D's author. But who is he - and does he even exist?

Set in 17th century Amsterdam this fictional tale is based on the relationship between Dutch maid, Helena Jans van der Strom and philosopher, mathematician and scientist Rene Descartes. Helena yearns for knowledge and literacy and tells us her story, as gradually their relationship deepens in a surprising account of love and learning.