The Californians

"The Californians" by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a story set in a changing California, centered on the bond between Helena Belmont, a bold and wealthy girl, and the more reserved Magdaléna Yorba. The novel begins by setting up the girls' close friendship, but it also highlights how different they are because of their families' wealth and backgrounds; Helena is excited and ready to chase her dreams, while Magdaléna wants to find her place in the world. As Helena gets ready to go to school far away, the book hints at deeper issues, like how the society in California is changing, how people see class and gender, and what it means to find your own identity.