Twenty Years After is the second story in the D’Artagnan
Romances and was written in 1845. (“The Three
Musketeers” was the
first and “The Vicomte de Bragelonne” was the third) It was written by French author Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870). The story depicts further adventures of the four friends. It brings back many characters from Dumas first novel, The Three
Musketeers. This story is the least known of the D’
Artagnan trilogy.
In the year 1649, D’Artagnan has been in the service of the Musketeers for 20 years and has advanced to the rank of lieutenant. D’Artagnan is very ambitious and was not satisfied with his mid level rank. He has also lost contact with his three friends; Athos, Porthos and Aramis. His friends have resumed their lives outside of the force of musketeers. The story begins with D’Artagnan on his way to the Bastille to transport a prisoner. Once D’Artagnan arrives at the Bastille, he finds that the prisoner is Rochefort, his adversary and eventual friend from 20 years ago.
D’Artagnan embarks on a journey to find his old friends and enlist their services. Aramis joined the service of the Church, Porthos returned to his wealthy home life and Athos lived on his estate in Blois. Porthos quickly joins forces with D’Artagnan while Aramis and Athos refuse. After a near disaster in which D’Artagnan and Porthos almost duel with Aramis and Athos, the four reconcile their differences and renew their alliance.
Mordaunt, the son of Milady de Winter, (who was executed by the musketeers in the first book) vows revenge on the executioners. Mordaunt is as evil and scheming as his mother and proceeds to execute the King of England. Eventually, Mordaunt is killed by the musketeers after a duel on a small boat in the English Channel. The four friends return to Paris and eventually separate once again. D’Artagnan, promoted to captain, remains a musketeer in the service of the royal family. Porthos returns to his lavish castle, Aramis to the priesthood and Athos to his estate. The one-eyed Rochefort is killed in a riot in Paris.
Twenty Years After has many of the same exciting adventures and characters as in The Three Musketeers, but has not maintained the same popularity. The story was, however, made into a movie. The Return of the Musketeers (1989) is loosely based on this work. This story translates into English fairly well and is an exciting and quick read. It is recommended for fans of “The Three Musketeers”.