The Goose Girl

"The Goose Girl" by Harold MacGrath is a story set in a make-believe Europe, diving into ideas about love, who we are, and the differences between rich and poor people. We meet Gretchen, a goose-girl whose life changes in surprising ways when she meets important people who are drawn to her beauty and strong character. The story begins with an old, tired man watching Gretchen, who seems very happy as she leads her geese toward the city. Right away, we see how different their lives are. Their paths cross when some soldiers, including the grand duke, ride by and accidentally scare Gretchen's geese. This event shows us how complicated love and social class can be. At the same time, a young American named Carmichael is fascinated by Gretchen, suggesting possible love stories and bigger plots involving secrets and the upper class. The start of the book paints a vibrant picture, bringing together characters from very different walks of life.