The plot of The Bostonians centers on the rivalry that develops between Olive Chancellor, an active feminist, and Basil Ransom, her charming and cynical cousin, when they find themselves drawn to the same radiant young woman whose talent for public speaking has won her an ardent following.

翻译：积极的女权运动者Olive Chancellor和她迷人却有点愤世嫉俗的堂兄弟Basil Ransom，迷上同一个活力四射，且因出色的演说才华而有着热情追随者的年轻女子，The Bostonians（书名）的情节主要围绕他们之间的争斗而展开。

查了一下，他们之间的争斗主要是，那个堂兄弟爱上年轻女子，想一起私奔，来挫败她堂姐和女权运动，而那个堂姐妹则希望那女子去进行女权运动。就是这种争斗。