Jane--Our Stranger: A Novel

** "Jane--Our Stranger: A Novel" by Mary Borden, is a novel set in the early 20th century that grapples with the complicated issues of who we are, where we fit in, and the challenging dynamics of family, all seen through the eyes of Jane, the main character, and connected to her relationships with her mother and others she encounters. The story opens with thoughts about Jane's life and how her environment affects how she feels love and separation, suggesting deeper levels of conflict and insight into her character. The crippled brother of Jane, and also the narrator, reflects on the unusual role Jane has played in their lives, considering her marriage to his brother Philibert, her time spent in Paris, and how important she is to them and to the wider world. The narrative emphasizes the details of Jane's relationships, particularly with her mother, Mrs. Carpenter, and emphasizes her desire for understanding and acceptance. Jane's world changes, with the contrast between her American upbringing and her experiences in Paris, causing a tension between her initial innocence and the intricacies of her new life, paving the way for a moving investigation of her character. **