The American writer and thinker discusses her novel with journalist Jackson. In 1876, a group of Poles led by Maryna Zalewska, Poland's greatest actress, travels to California to found a 'utopian' commune. The image of America, and California, as escape, as fantasy, constantly meets a more complex reality. The commune fails and most of the group go home, but Maryna stays and triumphs on the American stage.