Peeking Under the Covers

Amiens One place Ardel takes her reader in Chapter 9 is to the city of Amiens. Here, we meet André's mother and learn that phosphates might be in M. Douvry's future through the connections André has made. Considering this novel was published in 1914, right around the breakout of World War I, Amiens is worth mentioning because of the role it played during that war. Situated in northern France in the Hauts-de-France region, Amiens is well-known for its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame Amiens, which is the largest in France. Although the city was fought over in both World Wars, it was the 1918 Battle of Amiens that stands out with Ardel's story. In just a few short years, where André stands on the steps of the cathedral with his mother, will the Hundred Days Offensive and the push towards the Armistice with Germany begin. Of course, following both World Wars, the city of Amiens faced massive reconstruction and recovery. Personally, I find imagining what was...

Chapter 9 continued... “Because, my child, accompanying me will divert you from your path, since I am going to the Ursulines ,” she said hesitatingly. “Never mind, Maman. Running errands in Amiens does not take very long. And then, I’ll come see you. I want to take advantage of being with you as much as possible.” As he spoke, he bent over a little, and his lips brushed the white hairs on Madame Vilbert’s forehead. She no longer protested her son's proposal. He accompanied her, in fact, to the Ursulines, but then he took a path through the boulevards where the wind rushed in, biting and harsh, reddening the faces of the few walkers who diligently took their Sunday walks. He soon arrived in front of Aunt Sylvie's house, situated in a neighborhood at the very end of Rue Laurendeau. It was the old lady herself who opened the door. “Ah,André! My dear, I am very glad to see you! Come in quickly, you must be freezing. Come over here. Before going to the Salute , my dear, old Flora ma...