The trilogy chronicles the intersection of civilian life and military conflict in the French countryside during the First World War. Through the perspective of Madeleine Vanderlynden, a resilient French woman managing her family farm, the narrative examines the friction between the local population and the British soldiers stationed nearby. The story unfolds across three distinct volumes, capturing the logistical and emotional toll of the war on those living in the shadow of the front lines. The prose maintains a detached, observational tone that emphasizes the stark reality of occupation and the slow erosion of traditional rural life.

Readers and critics often identify this work as a significant contribution to the literature of the First World War due to its focus on the civilian experience rather than the trenches. Discussion frequently centers on the author's ability to maintain a balanced, objective viewpoint while portraying the complexities of the British-French relationship. Many highlight the trilogy's pacing as deliberate and methodical, reflecting the slow, grinding nature of the conflict. The work is frequently praised for its atmospheric authenticity and its refusal to rely on sentimental tropes common in war narratives. Readers interested in the social history of the period often find the detailed character studies to be the most compelling aspect of the text.