The Negotiator: The Masterclass at Saint-Germain, by Francis Walder, is a richly detailed historical novel that transforms diplomacy into high-stakes drama. Set in 1570, as France is riven by brutal wars of religion, the story follows Henri de Malassise, a seasoned royal negotiator summoned by Catherine de Médicis to broker a fragile peace between Catholics and Huguenots. The talks at Saint-Germain—real negotiations with real historical consequences—unfold as a tense battle of wills, strategy, and psychological insight rather than swords or armies.
Malassise must read motives as carefully as words, weighing apparent divisions among the Huguenots and questioning whether they signal weakness or cunning design. Personal complications intrude as well, including the arrival of his enigmatic Huguenot cousin, whose presence blurs the line between private loyalty and public duty. Drawing on his own experience in military and diplomatic service, Walder gives the negotiations a striking authenticity, capturing the exhaustion, moral compromise, and subtle maneuvering that shape political outcomes.
Elegant and intelligent, The Negotiator is part historical novel, part study in power and persuasion. A strong discussion angle is how Walder reveals negotiation itself as a form of conflict—one in which language, patience, and judgment determine the fate of nations.
"The Negotiator" won the Prix Goncourt in 1958.
Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered before 15 March, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.
The book group meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails, following registration.
Registration for the March meeting opens on Saturday, 21 February.
