A true classic.
Henry James' best work.Made into a movie starring Nicole Kidman, John Malkovic and Barbara Hershey.
Considered by many to be the classic novelist's greatest work. Includes black-and-white photos of the 1996 film starring Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich.
"Capturing the grandeur of a gracious, splendid Europe of wealth and Old World sensibilities, this glorious, complex novel has become a touchstone for a great writer's entire literary achievement. From the opening pages, when the high-spirited American girl Isabel Archer arrives at the English manor Gardencourt, James' luminous, superbly crafted prose creates an atmosphere of intensity, expectation, and incomparable beauty. Isabel, who has been taken abroad by an eccentric aunt to fulfill her potential, attracts the passions of a British aristocrat and a brash America, as well as the secret adoration of her invalid cousin, Ralph Touchett. But her vulnerability and innocence lead her not to love but to a fatal entrapment in intrigue, deception, and betrayal. This brilliant interiro drama of the forming of a woman's consciousness makes [this book] a masterpiece of James' middle years." -- back cover
A masterpiece.
I enjoyed this book...great descriptions of the Victorian American scene in NYC.
I guess they call it a classic for a reason. Not a feel good Jane Austin type; much darker than that. A good read, but I'm sure many reviewers could (and have) give it the justice due.
I read this book while nursing an illness so did not mind the length. It thoroughly captured my interest and imagination and took me away from my own problems. It is a wonderful counterpoint to "Le Divorce" in that they both involve enterprising young ladies of their day taking off for adventures on "the continent." This lady, Isabel Archer, is far more virtuous than her contemporary counterparts, and the author is utterly fixated on these many virtues.This would be a great book for a week vacation with lots of peace and quiet and time on ones hands. I loved it.
Classic!
