The Bostonians

About “The Bostonians”

The Bostonians is a tragicomic novel by Henry James, first published in 1886. It follows Basil Ransom, a conservative Civil War veteran, who arrives in Boston seeking a career. The story centers on his relationship with his feminist cousin, Olive Chancellor, and Verena Tarrant, a young woman whose affections are desired by both. The novel explores James' ambivalence toward the reformist movement through a cast of eccentric and colorful characters. It alternates between mocking the Boston reformers and showing Olive's struggle to keep Verena committed to the cause. The narrative blends humor and pathos, reflecting the complexities of social change and personal desire.