Description
Book Synopsis''Henry James is as solitary in the history of the novel as Shakespeare is in the history of poetry'' Graham Greene
Isabel Archer''s main aim in life is to protect her independence. She is not interested in settling down and compromising her freedom for the sake of marriage. However, on a trip around Europe with her aunt, she finds herself captivated by the charming Gilbert Osmond, who is very interested in the idea of adding Isabel to his collection of beautiful artworks...
Trade ReviewThis subtle, beautifully constructed study of an attractive, intelligent, spirited young woman's transition from insouciance to enlightenment is a classic
. Passion, intrigue, betrayal - it sounds like a potboiler, but James's observations of Victorian manners, understanding of human nature and exquisite prose elevate it to another league * Guardian *
The Portrait of a Lady is entirely successful in giving one the sense of having met somebody far too radiantly good for this world -- Rebecca West
Subtle and sophisticated and concerned with psychological nuance and social acceptability -- Joanna Trollope
James is the master of making what is not said the most important thing on the page -- Kate Atkinson
I read
Portrait of a Lady by Henry James maybe once a year. I just love the story. I love the pace of it -- Colm Toibin
