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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Having tried Henry James a decade ago and found his writing really dense, I approached A Portrait of a Lady with trepidation. Oh yes, this novel was just as wordy, but this time I had a much greater appreciation for the amazing use of language on James's part. His descriptions dragged, but whenever his characters interacted with brilliant humour and wit, or passionate discussions about life, his writing breathed with joy. I loved the colourful Mrs. Touchett, Henrietta, and Countess Gemini, who added the much needed spunk, frankness, and wickedness that the usual Victorian heroines often lacked.
I think a lot of modern women will find a bit of Isabel Archer in themselves. The Lady of this novel is smart, independent, and impossibly young. While I found myself relating to her idealism and desires for things in life beyond marriage, I think her character cannot be fully appreciated until one has matured past her foolish youth to put these ideals in perspective. She can hardly be blamed for her self-righteousness and naïveté, as we've all once thought ourselves all-knowing. It is only with age that we realise how much we have yet to learn.
I did not think Isabel made a right choice in the end, but it is almost as if she had surrendered herself to the fate she made. It is too bad, because I hoped she learned that nothing was set in stone.
I think a lot of modern women will find a bit of Isabel Archer in themselves. The Lady of this novel is smart, independent, and impossibly young. While I found myself relating to her idealism and desires for things in life beyond marriage, I think her character cannot be fully appreciated until one has matured past her foolish youth to put these ideals in perspective. She can hardly be blamed for her self-righteousness and naïveté, as we've all once thought ourselves all-knowing. It is only with age that we realise how much we have yet to learn.
I did not think Isabel made a right choice in the end, but it is almost as if she had surrendered herself to the fate she made. It is too bad, because I hoped she learned that nothing was set in stone.
i am not built for historical fiction just yet
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
EXTREMELY LONG, but the material is great! Isabel Archer remains a wonderful woman of literature, and James' stream of consciousness technique is superb when used with Isabel.
I’ve decided I really don’t like abridged books. There are a lot of characters to hold in your head
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James is not the easiest or most entertaining read even among classic or even among Victorian era (American style) literature. However, it is a rewarding experience as James deftly draws some very real and very interesting characters. I see what James is doing and I appreciate it. In some ways, the reading experience is often like eavesdropping on common conversations held in the late 19th century among high society men and women.
I think I will have to return to The Portrait of a Lady after reading other James' novel so that my thoughts can crystallize on this one.
I think I will have to return to The Portrait of a Lady after reading other James' novel so that my thoughts can crystallize on this one.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective