The Bostonians

Emerging from Boston's lesser-known social circles, Verena Tarrant captivates with her remarkable public speaking abilities, using them to advocate for 'the sisterhood of women' in nondescript meeting places. She finds herself caught between two contrasting admirers: Olive Chancellor, a fervent supporter of radical causes who seems destined for personal tragedy, and Basil Ransom, a Civil War veteran whose traditional views on society and women stand in stark opposition. The question arises: is Verena destined for the realm of public activism or the sphere of personal relationships? Olive and Basil become embroiled in a battle to claim her, body and soul.

Verena's naive sincerity becomes a mirror reflecting a society whose moral and cultural standards struggle to endure the rise of liberalism and democracy. Upon its 1886 release, "The Bostonians" didn't receive a warm welcome from Henry James's fellow Americans, who overlooked its subtlety and humor. However, a century later, it is celebrated as one of James's greatest American novels, lauded for its comedic brilliance.