"The Bostonians" is a novel written by Henry James, published in 1886. The story is set in Boston during the late 19th century and explores themes of feminism, social change, and political activism. It follows the lives of Olive Chancellor, a passionate suffragist, and her relationship with Verena Tarrant, a young woman who becomes the focus of Olive's ambitions. The novel delves into the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. It highlights the struggles of women seeking independence and the complexities of their relationships with men, particularly through the character of Basil Ransom, who represents traditional values.