Barbara Rebell

Description of the book

Marie Belloc Lowndes' book, 'Barbara Rebell', explores the eponymous protagonist's childhood, her displacement during the war, and her journey to adulthood. The story begins with Barbara exclaiming that her tenth birthday was a disappointment, with no bouquets, cakes, or gifts from her French friends. Despite receiving a beautiful little gold watch from her parents, Barbara was disconsolate and longed for a life like the English children in her books. Her solitary thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of her godmother, who brought news of an upcoming trip to England. This exciting news was tempered by the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, which forced Barbara's family to flee France and left their villa destroyed.