A Little Queen of Hearts: An International Story

by Ruth Ogden

"A Little Queen of Hearts: An International Story" by Ruth Ogden is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Marie-Celeste as she navigates new relationships and experiences during her summer in Windsor, England. The narrative explores themes of friendship, family, and the contrast of social statuses, primarily through the interactions of Marie-Celeste with her English cousin Harold and other characters she meets along the way. The opening of the novel introduces Harold, a boy grappling with feelings of loneliness and the desire for change in his life. After a heartfelt moment where he writes a letter inviting his relatives to visit, we learn about Ted, his brother, who is absorbed in his own college life. The scene shifts to Marie-Celeste, whose warmth and curiosity shine through as she eagerly awaits the arrival of new friends and experiences. The fabric of their lives begins to intertwine as they set the stage for a summer filled with discovery and personal growth. The contrasting perspectives of young Harold and the exuberant Marie-Celeste set up a rich narrative of familial bonds and youthful adventures in the chapters to follow.