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A Review of Done and Dared in Old France

Gaspard lived in an era when good was called evil and evil was seen as good. After spending many of his earlier years on the run, this young Huguenot boy was being smuggled out of France when his escort became sick and died.

  • Byron Snapp
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Gap (short for Gaspard) lived in an era when good was called evil and evil was seen as good. After spending many of his earlier years on the run, this young Huguenot boy was being smuggled out of France when his escort became sick and died. Being alone in a Catholic city, Gap fled into the woods. He wanted to avoid being taken and educated by Catholics. His flight ended at the home of salt smugglers deep in a French forest. Now the youth had to be doubly careful to avoid authorities, being of Huguenot descent and a smuggler. As he matured into the teen years, he faced a number of adventures but saw no way to escape from his present predicament.

In an unexpected manner (but in God’s providence) he encountered the renowned French Huguenot pastor, Claude Brousson. His life was forever changed. Now he knew he must not remain in his current occupation. Where could he go? What could he do? Gap did not realize it, but his adventures were only beginning.

In this volume of historical fiction, Alcock successfully weaves an account that is equally entertaining and educational. The characters she develops will often surprise the reader by their response to the twists and turns of life. Although the account is fictional, many of the characters are from the pages of history. These include Pastor Brousson, the peasant preacher Henri Portal, and the devil worshiper Monsieur de Rignac. She develops the plight of the Huguenots as they bravely face the ploys and persecutions of their enemies.

The characters are credible, as is the unfolding plot. Readers will be reminded of the demarcation between good and evil, the importance of daily walking by faith, and the importance of making deft decisions in the face of danger. This is primarily a volume for youth, but one that adults can also enjoy.

The publisher has included a brief biography of Claude Brousson as an appendix to the book. Also written by Alcock, this biography brings to light the fascinating life and ministry of this godly pastor and martyr.


  • Byron Snapp

Byron Snapp is a graduate of King College (B.A.) and Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was Associate Pastor at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church, Hampton, Virginia, from 1994 until his retirement in December 2014. He is a native of Marion, Virginia.  He has had pastorates in Leakesville, Mississippi, and Gaffney, South Carolina.  He served as Assistant Pastor in Cedar Bluff, Virginia prior to his ministry at Calvary Reformed. He has served as editor of the Presbyterian Witness and was a contributor to A Comprehensive Faith and Election Day Sermons. He is currently a member of Westminster Presbytery in the PCA. He and his wife Janey have 3 children and several grandchildren. 

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