Mad Barbara

"Mad Barbara" by Warwick Deeping is a historical fiction book that tells the story of Barbara Purcell, a young woman dealing with her father's death and the problems it brings to her family. Set in the early 1900s, the book centers on Barbara as she tries to figure out what really happened to her father while also dealing with her feelings and what society expects from her. After finding her father dead in the music room, Barbara becomes determined to uncover secrets from the past. Her relationships with her mother and other characters, like Lord Gore and his son John, help her navigate the social scene of that time, where happiness and fun contrast with her sadness. The story highlights Barbara’s internal conflict and offers hints about her future connections with others as she faces her tragic circumstances.