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Content |
Julie Labat's autobiography begins with her marriage at eighteen. She recounts her married life, the birth of her children and her own serious health problems (as well as those of her relatives). Several passages are devoted to situations induced by the revolts that took place in Geneva in 1782 and the French revolution of 1791 – events which lead the writer and her family into exile. She also devotes many pages to her husband's arrest on suspicion of conspiring against Geneva and the occupation of their country house during his detention.
She goes on to recount the events of 1794 during which her husband was once again arrested and exiled. The successive detentions of her husband, his trial, and her own efforts to help him are treated in considerable detail. She also describes the difficulty in smuggling out of Geneva property belonging to her husband and other members of her family. Her story continues with the arrival of the French in 1798. She focuses on her health, as well as that of various family members. She also recounts the death of her sister and brother-in-law; their own daughter's marriage; and the birth of their grandchildren. The account ends abruptly.
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