The Return of Martin Geurre has roots in both fiction and non-fiction. The book, written in 1983 by Canadian and American author Natalie Zemon Davis, centers around the 16th century legendary story of Martin Geurre. Geurre, who had a wooden leg, was lost for a period of time. Upon returning to his home village in France, he discovered that an imposter had taken his place, stealing his wife, kids, job, and money. Although the story doesn't have a provable factual basis, the book explores the origins of the legend.
Born in 1928, Natalie Zemon Davis is a Canadian American historian. Most of her published works, including The Return of Martin Guerre, are based in the early modern period of world history, which begins around the time of The Renaissance. Davis was born in Detroit to Jewish immigrant parents, and later went on to study at Harvard University. Some of her other notable works include Women on the Margins and Slaves on Screen.
