Here's why:
* Setting: The story is set in Switzerland in the late 19th century.
* Social Context: The book depicts the social and cultural norms of the time, including:
* Rural life in the Swiss Alps
* Traditional farming practices
* Child labor and education
* The importance of family and community
* Fictional Elements: While inspired by real-life Swiss customs and landscapes, the story itself is fictional.
While the book may not be entirely historically accurate in every detail, it offers a vivid and evocative glimpse into a specific time and place in Swiss history.