Polly the Pagan: Her Lost Love Letters

by Isabel Anderson

"Polly the Pagan: Her Lost Love Letters" by Isabel Anderson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Polly, a young American woman, as she navigates her adventures and romantic entanglements during her travels in Europe, particularly focusing on her interactions with a Russian prince. The narrative combines elements of romance and comedy, exploring themes of cultural differences and personal identity. At the start of the novel, a mysterious sequence of events leads to a collection of letters and a journal belonging to Polly being discovered by someone in Paris. The letters detail Polly's experiences aboard a steamship with a prince, offering glimpses into her vibrant personality and her budding flirtation with him. As she settles into life in Rome, her diary entries reveal her charming observations and escapades, including encounters with various characters and the social fabric of the expatriate community. The opening sets a lively tone, hinting at the personal growth and adventures to come as Polly navigates love amidst the dramatic backdrop of early 20th-century Europe.