Narrator of "Children of the Marshlands" ( Les Enfants Du Marais) Cri-cri, has two brothers, she is the 5 year old daughter of marsh-dweller Riton, a good hearted fellow who could always do with a glass of wine. Or two. Or three. Riton stills pines for his first wife, who ran off more than ten years ago. Although he remarried, his real source of companionship is self-sufficient Garris. Garris stumbled through the region after demobilization following WW1 and has been living in the neighbouring cabin since it was bequeathed to him by its 92 year old owner. A solid individual, unafraid of hard work, Garris finds his head turned by Marie, maid to a family in town. "Children of the Marshlands" is the story of one decisive summer in the early 1930's. We follow a cross-section of individuals, some of whom live on fish, frogs and odd-jobs in modest cabins on the marsh, and some of whom live in style in the neighbouring town. Awash in memorable characters winningly portrayed, "Children of the Marshland"is an utterly satisfying, old-fashioned tale of simple pleasures, good manners and strong allegiances told with a sure hand. " A minor masterpiece." - LE PARISIAN