In Coast of Bohemia, William Dean Howells masterfully critiques bourgeois values through the compelling story of Cornelia Saunders. With her life seemingly perfect—filled with comfort, beauty, and the attention of charming young men—Cornelia is torn between the allure of respectable society and the enticing yet dubious world of bohemian Art and Poetry. As she hesitantly prepares to step into Bohemia, she risks everything for what could be her artistic Gift. True to his iconoclastic style, Howells keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering until the very end about Cornelia’s fate and the potential of her talent. - Summary by Expatriate