Democracy

Set against the backdrop of 1870s Washington, DC, the story follows Madeleine Lee, a young widow seeking excitement beyond her life in New York. Hosting a salon, she captures the attention of suitors: the genuine John Carrington and the ambitious Silas P. Ratcliffe. As their rivalry intensifies, Madeleine grapples with her desire for fame versus the authenticity of true connection. Drawing from Henry Adams' experiences as a political journalist, the novel serves as a critique of political corruption and societal expectations in America.