Ralph Henry Barbour 
Lilac Girl 

The Lilac Girl is a novel written by Ralph Henry Barbour set in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Barbara Page, a young woman from a wealthy family who is forced to confront the social and personal challenges of her time. Barbara is engaged to a wealthy and ambitious young man named Robert Dexter, but she feels trapped by the expectations of her social class and struggles to find her own identity. When she meets a young woman named Nella Rae, who works in a local factory and is part of the burgeoning labor movement, Barbara begins to question her own privileged position and to become interested in social justice issues. As Barbara’s friendship with Nella deepens, she becomes more involved in labor activism and begins to clash with her fiance and her family over her newfound beliefs. The novel explores themes of social justice, class conflict, and the changing roles of women in early 20th century America. Barbour’s writing is engaging and thoughtful, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complex social dynamics of the time. He explores the tensions between tradition and progress, privilege and empathy, and personal fulfillment and social responsibility. The novel offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history, and will appeal to readers interested in social justice, women’s issues, and the changing roles of American society in the early 20th century. Overall, "The Lilac Girl" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores important issues of social justice and personal identity. It offers an inspiring message of empowerment and personal growth in the face of societal expectations and challenges.