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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
After reading Turn of the Screw (under duress) at university, I was hesitant to read James' hefty novel but found the courage with my fellow buddy readers. I absolutely loved reading this novel. The plot was architected to precision, with a scarcity of narrative description that was natural but left enough influence to encourage the reader's imagination.
Following a bright, passionate young American woman, Isabel Archer, as she begins her journey into the world, desiring the freedom to choose her own path. Isabel has many admirers but ultimately falls prey to a man she believes will complement her desire for freedom and support her ideas and dreams. Yet the reality is not a blissful adventure, and Isabel is soon confined by her husband's cruel expectations and blatant disappointment that she did not live up to his expectations of a wife.
The novel delves into very serious topics but manages to balance with ridiculous characters with sharp minds and heartfelt conversations - usually always with Ralph. Such a delight to fall back into James' world, and one I would heartily receommend to those who enjoy classics.
Following a bright, passionate young American woman, Isabel Archer, as she begins her journey into the world, desiring the freedom to choose her own path. Isabel has many admirers but ultimately falls prey to a man she believes will complement her desire for freedom and support her ideas and dreams. Yet the reality is not a blissful adventure, and Isabel is soon confined by her husband's cruel expectations and blatant disappointment that she did not live up to his expectations of a wife.
The novel delves into very serious topics but manages to balance with ridiculous characters with sharp minds and heartfelt conversations - usually always with Ralph. Such a delight to fall back into James' world, and one I would heartily receommend to those who enjoy classics.
I really, REALLY wanted to like this book. It started off well. The story, overall even, is very interesting. Some parts of it irritated me, but in a good way that made me want to keep reading. But the story took FOREVER to develop. The character's inner musings were immensely dull and repetitive. From the first scene between Madame Merle, Pansy and Osmond, you knew that Pansy was really Merle's daughter. I couldn't see why Osmond charmed Isabel. He seemed very dull and boring to me. So, I gave this one a C+. The story itself is probably an A-, but the unnecessary meandering brought it down. A LOT.
"بالاخره سکوتی برقرار شد، و این سکوت خیلی گویاتر از حرف هایی بود که هرکدام زده بودند، ..." ص 422
"آنچه می گفت و می کرد نبود، بلکه آنچه نمی گفت و نمی کرد، بود که او را در نظر ایزابل شاخص می ساخت ..." ص 378
"او را نه به خاطر چیزهایی که واقعا واجد بود دوست می داشت، بلکه به خاطر فقرها و نداری هایی که به جامه ی افتخارات درآمده بود". ص 510
"زندگی توخالی است مگر این که انسان یک نوع وظیفه ی خصوصی درونی داشته باشد..." ص 517
"چه چیز می تواند بی روح تر از ملاقات های بازپسین باشد؟ انسان هرگز چیزهایی را که می خواهد نمی گوید - این چیزها یک ساعت بعد به یادش می آید. از سوی دیگر انسان چیزهای زیادی می گوید که نباید بگوید - صرفا روی این احساس که چیزی باید بگوید". ص 700
"آنچه می گفت و می کرد نبود، بلکه آنچه نمی گفت و نمی کرد، بود که او را در نظر ایزابل شاخص می ساخت ..." ص 378
"او را نه به خاطر چیزهایی که واقعا واجد بود دوست می داشت، بلکه به خاطر فقرها و نداری هایی که به جامه ی افتخارات درآمده بود". ص 510
"زندگی توخالی است مگر این که انسان یک نوع وظیفه ی خصوصی درونی داشته باشد..." ص 517
"چه چیز می تواند بی روح تر از ملاقات های بازپسین باشد؟ انسان هرگز چیزهایی را که می خواهد نمی گوید - این چیزها یک ساعت بعد به یادش می آید. از سوی دیگر انسان چیزهای زیادی می گوید که نباید بگوید - صرفا روی این احساس که چیزی باید بگوید". ص 700
I found "A Portrait of a Lady" to be a gentle, pleasant read. The story gradually moves along and introduces a series of characters and settings, at a pace where it is easy to keep up.
Isabel was a likable protagonist, and was a refreshingly strong character considering when the book was written.
I've marked the book down slightly as I felt some sections dragged a bit, and parts of the story could have been omitted without detracting from the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of classics, but it may be a little daunting to people who haven't read many so wouldn't suggest this as a starting point.
Isabel was a likable protagonist, and was a refreshingly strong character considering when the book was written.
I've marked the book down slightly as I felt some sections dragged a bit, and parts of the story could have been omitted without detracting from the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of classics, but it may be a little daunting to people who haven't read many so wouldn't suggest this as a starting point.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book's theme was basically "you made your bed, now lie in it." This is a darker take on the obligations of marriage, and personal responsibility. The latter half is much heavier than the first half and I felt like my own sense of hope was diminishing with each chapter after she got married.
It takes an average of 7 attempts to leave a DV relationship, so the ending (while hearbteakingly frustrating) was understandable.
It takes an average of 7 attempts to leave a DV relationship, so the ending (while hearbteakingly frustrating) was understandable.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Wow I loved this way more than I was expecting to. I borrowed the audiobook from my library and listened simultaneously while reading the physical book and had such a great reading experience.
If you’re looking for a classic with a whole lot of slow burn pining, multiple marriage proposals, drama and beautiful description you are in the right place. See also: strong female lead, disaster, scandals, American and English politics. It was so witty it made me laugh out loud and smirk so much while reading, it completely surprised me. The sarcastic tone of the book in several places really amped up the enjoyment for me.
I LOVED the characters so much. They were all so distinct, plus there’s only a handful of names in the books so you won’t get overwhelmed or confused. James does a great job of introducing each character gradually, with thorough description so you remember who he is referring to. They’re so easy identifiable. I loved the dynamics and character interacts, esp. Isabel, Ralph and Lord Warburton. Those three were my faves.
It had an easy to follow narrative, but as it’s quite a chunk of a book (500+ pages) the narrative was slow. There’s a lot of travelling, and internal monologue of characters. James is also heavy on the description constantly, though it is beautiful done. I feel like the language is pretty accessible for an old text, with some patience this is an easy read. I loved the political and social commentary throughout as well, in particular challenging the role of women in society and how they should choose to live their lives.
Petty one star taken off because it was just a tad too long (all that damn description n internal monologues haha) and the ending isn’t the one I wanted. It was a good ending, I’m just bitter.
If you’re looking for a classic with a whole lot of slow burn pining, multiple marriage proposals, drama and beautiful description you are in the right place. See also: strong female lead, disaster, scandals, American and English politics. It was so witty it made me laugh out loud and smirk so much while reading, it completely surprised me. The sarcastic tone of the book in several places really amped up the enjoyment for me.
I LOVED the characters so much. They were all so distinct, plus there’s only a handful of names in the books so you won’t get overwhelmed or confused. James does a great job of introducing each character gradually, with thorough description so you remember who he is referring to. They’re so easy identifiable. I loved the dynamics and character interacts, esp. Isabel, Ralph and Lord Warburton. Those three were my faves.
It had an easy to follow narrative, but as it’s quite a chunk of a book (500+ pages) the narrative was slow. There’s a lot of travelling, and internal monologue of characters. James is also heavy on the description constantly, though it is beautiful done. I feel like the language is pretty accessible for an old text, with some patience this is an easy read. I loved the political and social commentary throughout as well, in particular challenging the role of women in society and how they should choose to live their lives.
Petty one star taken off because it was just a tad too long (all that damn description n internal monologues haha) and the ending isn’t the one I wanted. It was a good ending, I’m just bitter.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated