The children of Alsace : $b (Les Oberlés)

"The Children of Alsace" by René Bazin is a story set in the region of Alsace, a place caught between France and Germany, where the main character, Jean Oberlé, grapples with who he is and who his family is, all while Alsace is going through a tough time under German rule. The story explores what it means to be loyal, what your national identity is, and how political problems can affect families. It especially focuses on the conflict between Jean, who loves Alsace, and his family, who have become used to German ways. It starts with M. Ulrich Biehler, thinking about how connected he feels to the land, especially since he's a Frenchman living in German territory. Then we meet Jean Oberlé, coming home after studying in Germany, ready to embrace his roots and help his homeland. There are big differences in the Oberlé family, with Jean's uncle, M. Ulrich, being proud of Jean's love for his heritage, but his father, Joseph Oberlé, is more willing to work with the German government. This creates a story of love for one’s land and the struggles of a family torn by allegiance.