The Bostonians

By: Henry James

Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers

From Boston's social underworld emerges Verena Tarrant, a girl with extraordinary oratorical gifts, which she deploys in tawdry meeting-houses on behalf of "the sisterhood of women". She acquires two admirers of a very different stamp: Olive Chancellor, devotee of radical causes, and marked out for tragedy; and Basil Ransom, veteran of the Civil War, with rigid views concerning society and women's place therein. Is the lovely, lighthearted Verena made for public movements or private passions? A struggle to possess her, body and soul, develops between Olive and Basil.

The exploitation of Verena's unregenerate innocence reflects a society whose moral and cultural values are failing to survive the new dawn of liberalism and democracy. The Bostonians (1886) was not welcomed by James's fellow countrymen, who failed to appreciate its delicacy and wit; but a century later, this book is widely regarded as James's finest American fiction, and perhaps his comic masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Interesting

Very clear and interesting, the way the narrator switches voices is really exciting, clever, and intriguing. I recommend Elisabeth Rodgers for this audiobook.

An unexpected perspective of the Suffragette Movement

The story was interesting and nothing like what I expected. The narrator did an excellent job with the female characters, but the Southern accent of Mr. Ransom seemed less authentic. An excellent historic novel.

insightful and intricate portrayal of women from multiple perspectives in history of womens suffrage movement

outstanding Jamesian narrative, very well read. began slowly and the pace built to the bitter sweet climax. the female characters each and variously gained and lost.