The wartime agrarian society of Wolk’s novel is a patriarchal one where men work the land and go to war while women tend to be homemakers who marry young and look after multiple generations. Still, the novel contains vibrant, headstrong female characters who emerge from their limited roles as self-defined individuals.

While the world is at war because of the impulses of a violent man, Hitler, the chief troublemaker in Annabelle’s hills is Betty, a 14-year-old girl. Blonde-haired blue-eyed Betty appears to be a “sweet, God-fearing girl” who conforms to patriarchal standards of feminine beauty and virtue (101). This enables her to appear as a victim when she disappears, as the hills’ residents contrast her alleged innocence with Toby’s mannerisms and appearance. However, in reality Betty is a daredevil who is able to “baffle” Andy, a tough older boy at school, and then lead him into a flirtation (46). Her boldness, as she seductively lays a hand on his bare arm, does not conform to contemporary ideals of feminine passivity.

Moreover, she is the first to aim an attack at Mr. Ansel’s person, where others have only damaged his property, and she declares all-out war on Toby when he tells her to leave Annabelle alone.