Summary

“Bohemians” takes place in a fairly impoverished neighborhood in an unspecified American town. The story is narrated by a ten-year-old boy who lives in the neighborhood. He has a stressful home life due to his parent’ tumultuous relationship. In narration, he states that, by coincidence, “the last two houses on our block were both occupied by widows who had lost their husbands in Eastern European pogroms” (183). The women are called Mrs. Poltoi and Mrs. Hopanlitski. Poltoi’s demeanor is generally cold and anxious, while Hopanlitski is generally warm and friendly. Hopanlitski talks much more openly about her past experiences, and she even recounts the horrific traumas she has suffered. The narrator and his two friends tease and taunt Eddie, a local 17-year-old who is mentally handicapped. One day, when Eddie wanders onto Poltoi’s property, Poltoi calls the police. The police beat and arrest...