ragnatela 's review for:

Ritratto di signora by Henry James

4.25

reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.

Meeting Isabel Archer brings as much happiness as a bouquet of flowers: it is impossible not to enjoy its brightness, colours and scent. Unfortunately, she also withers as soon as a bouquet, leaving us sad with the memory of its past beauty.

I'm quite happy that the translator decided to abandon the uncivilized habit of writing prefaces, preferring to it an afterword, but I don't really agree with his description of Isabel as frigid.

(May 2024)