The Earthly Paradise

A tale of power, exile, and the elusive dream of paradise.

In The Earthly Paradise, C. S. Forester—celebrated author of the Hornblower series—steps away from naval warfare to deliver a richly layered historical novel of survival and self-discovery. Set in the 16th century, the story follows Jean-Baptiste, a French nobleman and religious dissenter, forced to flee persecution in his homeland. His journey takes him to the farthest reaches of the known world, ultimately leading him to a secluded island that seems untouched by the cruelties of civilization.

There, he attempts to build a new life and society—one free from tyranny and corruption. But paradise proves fragile, and human nature cannot be escaped. As Jean-Baptiste wrestles with isolation, leadership, and idealism, Forester explores the age-old question: Can true peace and purity ever exist outside the soul?

Elegantly written and thematically rich, The Earthly Paradise is a powerful reflection on utopia, exile, and the complexities of human aspiration. A novel of ideas and adventure, it remains a thought-provoking gem in Forester’s body of work.