The Belgian Twins

"The Belgian Twins" by Lucy Fitch Perkins is a children's novel written during the early 20th century, likely set in the backdrop of World War I as it details the experiences of young Belgian children during wartime. The story centers around Jan and Marie Van Hove, eight-year-old twins who engage in daily farm life with their parents, but whose peaceful existence is profoundly disrupted by the advancing German army. The narrative pulls readers into their world of innocence and adventure as they navigate the harsh realities of conflict, family separation, and resilience. The opening of "The Belgian Twins" introduces readers to the Van Hove family, who are depicted working together in their harvest field in Belgium. Jan and Marie take part in the farm chores, forging a sense of childhood joy amidst their responsibilities. However, this idyllic setting is soon overshadowed by ominous rumors of a German invasion, with discussions among adults that signal impending danger. As Father Van Hove joins the local men in preparation for defense, Mother Van Hove takes charge at home, and the twins are thrust into a narrative of uncertainty, bravery, and the longing for their father's return. The foundation is laid for a story rich with themes of courage, familial bonds, and the loss of childhood innocence in the face of war. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Lucy Fitch Perkins was an American illustrator and writer of children's books, known best for Dutch Twins (1911) and its sequels, the Twins series.