White Lilac; or the Queen of the May

** "White Lilac; or the Queen of the May" by Amy Walton is a story set in the late 1800s. It tells of Lilac White, a young girl living with her widowed mother, who dreams of a better life for her daughter despite their difficult situation. The story explores ideas about social class, the meaning of beauty, and accepting yourself, especially through Lilac's relationship with her stylish cousin, Agnetta Greenways. The story opens with Mrs. White raising her daughter after her husband’s death soon after Lilac was born. An important part of the story is the May Day celebration, where Lilac is chosen as Queen, right before her mother gets sick and passes away. Lilac grows up alone in a small country village, where she measures herself against others and tries to fit in with her cousins' ideas of what is important. From the beginning, the book paints a beautiful picture of countryside England while raising questions about who we are and what society values. **