Eleanor H. Porter
Mary Marie follows the experiences of a young girl navigating the complexities of her parents divorce. The story centers on a thirteen-year-old who adopts two identities to fit into the separate worlds of her mother and father, exploring the impact of divided family life on her sense of self. Through her diary entries, she reflects on her unusual situation, expressing both pride and confusion as she observes how different her family circumstances are from those of her peers. The narrative begins with her enthusiastic account of living in an era when divorce feels novel and exciting to her, seeing it as a unique adventure rather than a misfortune. As she prepares to alternate between her parents homes, she shares her observations about their contrasting personalities and lifestyles, revealing her desire to understand and belong in both worlds. The early chapters introduce her playful yet insightful voice, setting the foundation for her emotional growth and her evolving perceptions of family, love, and identity as she moves through the challenges and revelations of her divided life.