Robin

"Robin" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a time influenced by the shifting social and cultural norms of the late Victorian era as they give way to new expectations and realities, especially in the context of impending war. The plot centers around Robin, a young girl born to a flighty mother named Feather, and her complicated relationship with those around her, especially Donal Muir, a boy she formed a connection with in their childhood. The beginning of "Robin" introduces readers to the world of Victorian London and the characters that inhabit it, especially focusing on the families surrounding Robin's life and her upbringing. Feather's acute fear and inability to parent is set against the backdrop of societal pressures and expectations, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The budding relationship between Robin and Donal is established as they experience innocence, playfulness, and a vague sense of longing from their childhood connection, foreshadowing the deeper struggles they will face against the looming presence of war. As external events begin to intrude upon their lives, the story hints at the profound transformations that war will bring to both the characters and the conventions of their world.

Robin, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #18945.