Henri

Originally from a small, simple village, Henri receives a traditional catholic upbringing. Henri's mother, who once had intended to become a nun, had hoped her son would become a priest. Henri, however, doesn't share his mother's all-consuming belief in God. As the story unfolds, Henri struggles with the spiritual void of his "lukewarm heart" as he desperately searches for someone, or something, to ignite his soul. His quest leads him down a path of tragedy and disappointment.

Swept up in the national passion for Napoleon Bonaparte, Henri ties his fate to the Grande Armee, serving as the emperor's cook. Under Napoleon's command, Henri witnesses a succession of atrocities which he cannot reconcile with his conscience. Though Henri's love for the emperor is great, it is eroded daily by reckless plans that squander human life.

Henri is a thoughtful man, considerate and empathetic—a temperament ill-suited to a...