A Tatter of Scarlet: Adventurous Episodes of the Commune in the Midi 1871

A young narrator and his schoolfriend become involved in a provincial uprising and its guerrilla aftermath, moving between skirmishes, raids, and daring escapes. The episodic chapters balance action—ambushes, sieges, and brigand raids—with domestic moments of friendship, budding romances, leadership disputes, and moral reckonings. Recurring figures include a gun‑wielding young woman, an imperious elder, a charismatic outsider, and a ragged band of insurgents whose loyalties and betrayals drive shifting alliances. Scenes culminate in costly engagements, personal conversions, and the gradual dissolution of the motley company.