Robert Helmont: Diary of a Recluse, 1870-1871

"Robert Helmont: Diary of a Recluse, 1870-1871" by Alphonse Daudet is a story that shows a man named Robert Helmont stuck in his isolated home because of a bad leg, all while a war is happening close by. The story is set in the late 1800s and is sort of like the author's own life. It talks about Robert's time alone and how the war affects him and others. You see him dealing with being lonely, thinking about what war does to people, and still trying to stay strong even when things are tough. The story starts with Robert hurting his leg just as war breaks out in France. He's stuck in his village, which is now empty and scary because the enemy is coming. Robert really wants to be out there fighting, but he can't because of his injury. As he watches nature and sees what others go through, you get pulled into his world, which is sad but also has hope as he thinks about life during a difficult time.