A Girl of the Commune

"A Girl of the Commune" by G. A. Henty is a historical fiction novel that explores themes of societal change and personal ambition through the eyes of Mary Brander, a spirited young woman. Set in the late 19th century, the story introduces Jeremiah Brander, a lawyer whose family life experiences conflict between his own aspirations and his wife's yearning for a more stable life. Mary, shaped by her education at Girton College, emerges as a central figure, advocating for expanded roles for women in a society bound by tradition. The narrative lays the groundwork for conflicts between Mary's progressive ideals and the constraints of her time, hinting at disruptions to come within the family and broader social structure as she fights for women's rights during the Paris Commune.