Agnes Castle
A Little House in War Time
"A Little House in War Time" by Agnes Castle and Egerton Castle is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative encapsulates the experiences of a typical family during the first year of World War I, focusing on their daily lives, emotions, and the impact of the war on their home life. The primary setting is a quaint house called the Villino, where the characters navigate the challenges of war while trying to maintain normalcy and kindness amid chaos. The opening portion sets the tone by introducing the peaceful ambiance of the Villino, contrasting it sharply with the turmoil of the ongoing war. The authors detail the family's reflections on the war's distant impacts while describing their serene surroundings, including their garden and pets. We learn about the arrival of Belgian refugees to their home and the unease that accompanies hosting them. Characters like the eccentric butler, Juvenal, and the sensitive housekeeper add humor and warmth to the narrative, showcasing the small yet significant ways the family is trying to contribute to the war effort while grappling with their own emotions and the changes in their domestic environment.