When Polly Was Eighteen

"When Polly Was Eighteen" by Emma C. Dowd is a story set in a time when young women faced strict rules about love and society. It centers on Polly Dudley, who is growing up and trying to figure out what she wants in life. Things get complicated when she falls for David, but his jealousy and confusing behavior make her unsure of their relationship. The book starts with a tense walk between Polly and David, showing how his jealousy affects them. Polly is confused by David's moodiness, and she starts to realize that she wants to make her own choices, even though she cares about him. The early parts of the book explore ideas like trusting someone, being free, and learning about yourself, as Polly tries to find a balance between her feelings for David and her own need for independence.