Before CS Madge Bettany Head Girl by Helen Barber

It’s 1917. The Bettany twins, Madge and Dick, are entering their final year at their respective schools. As the War shows no sign of ending, their futures are uncertain. Madge loves her studies and longs to go on to Oxford. Dick plans a career in the Forestry but the War is in the way. Meanwhile, everyday life must go on, and foremost in all their decisions is the duty and the joy of caring for their frail small sister, Joey.

   As the beginning of term approaches, Madge is astounded to discover that she is to be the new Head Girl at Taverton High School. Can she rise to the challenge? How will she balance her duties at home and at school without neglecting her studies? How can she, at only seventeen, care for her sister and manage the household with only the dubious help of a spiteful maid and a new young governess for Joey?

   This is a story of school and family life against the background of a brutal war. It’s a story of love, friendship and loss. It’s the story of how Madge triumphs over all that is stacked up against her, with the support of her brother, a wise headmistress and a caring community. Madge wins through, and becomes a Head Girl to be proud of.

Madge Bettany Head Girl will be published in early  2027