But resolved to navigate her own destiny, she unabashedly turns down two eligible suitors who offer their wealth and devotion to her. Amidst all this, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a handsome cruel charmer.

Renowned as a masterpiece among James's early writings, this novel portrays the stark contrast between the naivety and high spirits of the new world and the deception and wisdom of the old. It also profoundly counters the themes of individual liberty, duty, treachery and sexuality.