Girls of '64

"Girls of '64" by Emilie Benson Knipe and Alden Arthur Knipe is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds during the Civil War, focusing on young women living in Georgia as they navigate the complexities of the war, their personal lives, and socio-political issues of the time. The main characters include Corinne and Harriot, cousins dealing with the impact of the war on their Southern community, as well as their parents and the new arrival, Dorothea from England. The opening of the book introduces Corinne and Harriot as they prepare to go to the train station to hear the latest war news, showcasing their contrasting attitudes toward the war and its implications. As they approach the station, they encounter a Confederate officer who shares a jarring perspective on Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Afterward, Harriot expresses her desire to stay and indulge in baking instead of focusing on war news, hinting at a tension between the realities of their lives and their yearning for normalcy. The chapter also hints at deeper themes related to loyalty, societal expectations, and the personal impact of a war that has permeated every aspect of life in the South.