War of the Buttons (novel)

It describes the "war" between two gangs from rival villages, Longeverne and Velrans, in the countryside of Franche-Comté.

The title comes from the goal of the war, to get as many buttons as possible from the opposing side by cutting them off shirts and trousers.

For the most part, the story is told from the point of view of the children from Longeverne.

Those who are unfortunate enough to fall into enemy hands are certain to face humiliation: their buttons and laces are cut off,[1] and they are forced to return home, where they are sure to get a beating from their parents.

Lebrac is so driven by his desire to win each battle, that he has his troops use unorthodox fighting methods, such as fighting naked to prevent damage to their clothes, having girls sew their clothes when they are damaged, among other things.