In the Mirror

Following the downfall of his political career in Holland, his imprisonment at Loevestein Castle, and his spectacular escape Hugo Grotius spends ten years in exile in Paris. Then, he dares to return. It proves to be a costly miscalculation. He is forced to flee once again, this time to Hamburg. There, the rising Great Power Sweden offers him the position of ambassador in Paris. Thus, Grotius returns to the heart of diplomacy. Another ten years later, young Queen Christina summons him to Stockholm. What does she have in mind for him? At the end of April 1645, Grotius sets out on his journey, unaware of what awaits him. It turns into a dramatic voyage, which ends abruptly four months later. On his return journey, Grotius dies in Rostock. His plans and ultimate destination have always remained shrouded in mystery. This novel follows him on his perilous journey, allowing him to reflect on his eventful life. It tells of his ambitions, his dilemmas, and his regrets.