Memoirs of the Princesse de Ligne, Vol. 1 (of 2)

"Memoirs of the Princesse de Ligne, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by Apolonia Helena Massalska is a late 19th century historical memoir that recounts the early life of Hélène Massalska, who would become the Princesse de Ligne, during her time at the Abbaye-aux-Bois convent in 18th century France. After Hélène and her uncle, the Prince-Bishop of Wilna, are exiled from Poland due to political conflicts, they arrive at the convent, where the shy and initially awkward Hélène grapples with fitting in because of her limited French language skills, but through friendships and interactions with nuns, she slowly becomes accustomed to her new life, balancing playful antics with the rigors of her education. The narrative explores Hélène's reflections on her upbringing, the difficulties of adapting to convent life, and the stark differences between her Polish background and her new environment, hinting at how her education will shape her future role as a noblewoman.