Innocent: Her Fancy and His Fact

A novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Innocent, who is raised on a farm by a kind but aging farmer named Hugo Jocelyn. As she navigates her simple, pastoral life filled with innocence and natural beauty, she is confronted with the revealing truth about her origins, which sets her on a path of self-discovery and emotional turmoil. The opening of the novel intricately describes the rural setting of Briar Farm, where Innocent finds solace among animals and nature. It highlights her interactions with the farmworkers, particularly Robin, a young man who has feelings for her. As the narrative unfolds, the reader learns of Innocent's close bond with her adoptive father and senses an impending change in her life as secrets about her true parentage begin to surface. The initial chapters invite the reader to explore themes of identity, love, and the societal concepts of legitimacy and shame, laying the groundwork for Innocent's emotional journey.