In the Prison City, Brussels, 1914-1918: A Personal Narrative

"In the Prison City, Brussels, 1914-1918: A Personal Narrative" by J. H. Twells, presents a firsthand account of life in Brussels under German occupation during World War I, revealing the moral climate and significant events of the era. The book opens with the author's arrival in Belgium, escaping the turmoil in France, and highlights the contrast between the frantic atmosphere of Paris and the deceptively calm yet strained environment of Brussels. Twells captures the mix of optimism and fear experienced by the Belgians as they confronted the imminent occupation and the looming realities of war. This sets the stage for an exploration of the difficulties and moral choices faced by civilians, offering insights into the resilience of the human spirit in times of despair.