Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
The White Morning: A Novel of the Power of the German Women in Wartime
"The White Morning: A Novel of the Power of the German Women in Wartime" by Gertrude Atherton is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. It explores the lives of German women during a tumultuous wartime period, focusing primarily on Countess Gisela Niebuhr, her sisters, and their quest for independence and empowerment against the backdrop of a male-dominated society. The narrative delves into their personal struggles, societal expectations, and evolving roles amid the changing dynamics brought on by the war. The opening of the novel introduces Countess Gisela as she reflects on her life and determination to resist the oppressive structures imposed by her father and German society. Gisela and her siblings have pledged never to marry, fueled by memories of their mother’s unhappy marriage and the tyrannical rule of their father. As their homeland is engulfed in war, Gisela evolves from the sheltered aristocratic girl into a determined woman poised to challenge traditional norms. Through her journey, the reader witnesses the impact of war on women, the stark contrasts between their societal roles before and during the conflict, and Gisela's transition into a figure who may lead a movement for change among women in Germany.