Nobody's Child

by Elizabeth Dejeans

"Nobody's Child" by Elizabeth Dejeans is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ann Penniman, a young girl who feels like a misfit in her own family due to the complexities of her lineage and the animosities between her family and the Westmores, a nearby aristocratic clan. The opening chapters introduce themes of class struggle and personal identity, setting the stage for a narrative rich with emotional conflict and social dynamics. The beginning of the narrative sees Ann observing the gradual transition from winter to spring as she rides her buggy back to the family farm. She encounters the Westmore hunt, which leaves her feeling both exhilarated and out of place, emphasizing her longing for a life filled with adventure and connection. A series of events unfolds as Ann witnesses the aftermath of an accident involving Garvin Westmore, a young man she finds intriguing, and his brother comes into play. Through these interactions, the layers of Ann's complicated family history and her yearning for love and acceptance are delicately explored, hinting at the inevitable conflicts to come as her relationships with the Westmores deepen.