From the Drop of Heaven: Legends, Prejudice, and Revenge

What defense is there to superstition?

It's 1582, a time when books are banned, and witches live next door. Citizens of the European principality of Salm are free to pray the way they want. However, both Catholic and Protestant fanatics surrounding them believe theirs is the only truth. Everyone is a heretic to one side or the other. Martin, an accused seditionist, seeks safety in Salm, and he teaches Nicolas, the mayor's son, to read. Though Nicolas knows Martin's books are banned, he cann...