For nine years, Babe keeps a terrible secret. How much of a toll do you think it takes on her?

For nine years, Babe keeps a terrible secret. How much of a toll do you think it takes on her? Does her hardscrabble background make her tougher than Grace and Millie in the face of adversity?

I think it takes a huge toll on her. The longer you keep a secret the harder it becomes to reveal. And the fear and shame she felt, that she shouldn't have had to, molded her choices from then on.

I agree, laurag. And I find her just that much more sympathetic a character knowing how strong she was, yet how kind to Claude. Some would lash out, thinking, "I've been through more than you know!" But she was able to separate, or as a therapist would say "compartmentalize," her personal pain and not take that out on others. I liked Babe very much as a character and admire her kindness.

Keeping a secret of any kind takes a toll on a person. Keeping a secret of this magnitude, and for as long as she did, is just unfathomable to me.

She was so patient overall. I think that's why it came more easily to her. Could be she worried Claude would think less of her, too, though none of it was her fault. Throughout history women have been blamed for their own attractiveness, accused of "asking for it." I wonder if there's not still some of that mentality today?

I was in shock over what had happened to Babe. A sad side to the history during WWII. I never realized how vulnerable women were. It seemed a time women were strong, gaining jobs never offered them before and earning a respectable living. The guilt for Babe must have been incredible. She had much love to give and proved it by helping many around her.