Red Caps and Lilies

"Red Caps and Lilies" by Katharine Adams is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution and revolves around a young girl named Marie Josephine and her experiences as she navigates a world filled with evolving social dynamics and political unrest. Through the lens of Marie Josephine's innocent perspective, the book explores themes of childhood, family, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Marie Josephine, her family, and her close interplay with her dog, Flambeau, as she grapples with feelings of exclusion and longing amidst preparations for a grand ball that she is not invited to attend. The tension of the external world is present, hinted at through conversations about noises in Paris and the ever-looming threat of danger. Marie Josephine's relationship with her cousins and siblings sets the tone for her character development, revealing her sensitive nature in contrast to her playful yet troubled surroundings. The opening captures both the innocence of childhood and the stark realities of revolution in a masterful intertwining of personal and historical narrative.