It is 1:37am and I’m taking a break from reading The Bostonians by Henry James. This book has been growing on me. I didn’t care for it too much before because I thought the writer was too dense, but I like it now that I understand what is going on. It’s about this young woman named Olive who is an advocate for women’s rights. Her cousin, Basil Ransom from Mississippi, is a traditional Southern man who believes women are meant to stay in the home as mothers and wives. Verena Tarrant is one of the key speakers and advocates for women’s rights, and Olive takes Verena under her wing. Basil ends up falling for Verena and believes he can reform her into a more “traditional” women’s role. I do not care too much for Olive because she is so possesive of Verena. She doesn’t want Verena going out alone because she is afraid the young girl will meet men. Olive keeps track of how long Verena is gone from the house and worries herself sick if she (Verena) is late. Basil is just a walking stereotype, so I find him humourous. I should start reading Heat Wave, Complications, and research on professional chaplain care in the United States.
