An Original Belle

This American war fiction is the story of a young, beautiful, and famous Marion who lives in New York during the Civil War and remains unaffected by the war. Her father is a government official, but she has no idea what he does. Her mother is a silly and pleasure-seeking woman who enjoys hosting her daughter's friends and is unbothered by anything serious, including even her husband. Marion is on her way to becoming as shallow as her mother until she overhears a discussion that shocks her. Pledging to change her conduct, she pleads to her father for support. After several attempts, he motivates her to change her life and use her unique charm to encourage those around her to better themselves. Several of her admirers end up going off to war, while another finds himself on a separate path. It leaves the reader wondering who will survive the battle and win Marion's honorable hand.

This work is a remarkable war fiction which provides valuable insights into the various behaviors of individuals during the American civil war and delivers an important message.