The Flirt

Set in a small Midwestern town, the story revolves around Cora, a woman who revels in the attention of every man around her. As the central figure, she enjoys flirting with various suitors, quickly losing interest and moving on to the next. This novel, serialized in the Saturday Evening Post, showcases Tarkington's keen observations of social dynamics and relationships, capturing the essence of flirtation and desire in a charming yet critical light. It marks the beginning of Tarkington's exploration of boyhood memories in his subsequent Penrod stories.