The Portrait of a Lady Book Reviews

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James Book Summary

This ebook contains the first volume of Henry James classic novel, The Portrait of a Lady. 
In this opening part, we are introduced to the characters of Isabel Archer and her maternal auntie Lydia Touchett. Isabel was born in New York state, and is invited to England by her wealthy auntie and her husband. Naturally curious and capable of evaluating those she meets and converses with, Isabel accepts the invitation. 
Despite the opulence and majesty she beholds in the country, Isabel - a free spirited and bold young woman - quickly finds her situation stifling. Although her disabled cousin Ralph and other members of society treat her courteously, the notion of a young woman having free reign upon her own existence is alien to them. 
Brought up in New York, the prim and proper society of late Victorian England contrast markedly with the adventure and ideals of freedom which are central to identity in the New World. The centuries old European culture whereby the richer classes arrange suitable marriages between their younger members as a matter of family business does not sit well with Isabel. These differences in cultural attitudes fascinated the author Henry James, and is a central for the entirety of this lengthy novel. 
Craving independence and a free life of her own, Isabel must fend for her freedoms against a number of suitors, in the hope of finding her place in life.

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The Portrait of a Lady (Henry James) Book Reviews 2024

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