valeriabee 's review for:

The Spoils of Poynton by Henry James
3.0

Unfortunately, this novel leaves the reader deeply dissatisfied, but I believe that that was James's intention. I'm not particularly familiar with his works, and while this novel hasn't convinced me to read them, I happen to know that this is a transitionary text for James -- it marks the beginning of a shift in his writing.

I honestly cannot tell what I feel about this novel. I am dissatisfied with the end, but not with the story. Then, I have to wonder if there really is a story. There seems to be very little happening and yet everything happened.

I dont pretend that this review is at all useful. I genuinely don't know how I feel about this book. I can say that I enjoyed reading it after a bit, captured by the happenings with Fleda and Owen. I am, however, confused by the end and, again, dissatisfied. Yet, I feel like James chose the best possible ending.

I wish I could tell you what this novel might make you feel, what you might think of it, or if it is worth it. I can only tell you that you'll have a lot to think about.