Helena

"Helena" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a story set just after World War I, where Lord Buntingford, a navy officer, is now responsible for Helena Pitstone, his young and independent-minded ward. The book looks at ideas like freedom, rules, and finding yourself as the characters struggle with what society expects of them and what they want for themselves. The story begins with Lord Buntingford thinking about the troubles caused by rising "Middle Classes," showing that he is thoughtful but also unsure about being Helena’s guardian. When Helena arrives, her strong character shines through—she’s smart, beautiful, and wants to make her own choices, which leads to playful arguments with Lord Buntingford. These first scenes show how different the older and younger generations are in a world that's quickly changing, hinting at the conflicts that will arise between following your dreams and fitting into society.