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The Portrait of a Lady

Annotated Edition (Alma Classics Evergreens)
By Henry James
Series: Evergreens
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James follows Isabel Archer, an independent and spirited young American woman who journeys to Europe, where she encounters the complexities of society, love, and personal growth. As Isabel navigates various relationships and societal expectations, she grapples with her ideals and the consequences of her choices. This exploration of personal freedom, ambition, and the constraints of social norms creates a rich tapestry of character and emotion.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate complex character studies and themes of personal freedom versus societal expectations. It weaves a rich tapestry of 19th-century social dynamics through the experiences of a young American woman navigating her independence. The narrative's depth and psychological finesse offer a timeless exploration of identity and autonomy.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Considered by many to be Henry James's finest novel, The Portrait of a Lady is a subtle examination of Victorian society and power relations, providing a groundbreaking psychological study of its protagonist. This volume is based on the authoritative New York Edition, and includes the author's seminal preface.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Having travelled from her native New York to London to meet her relatives, Isabel Archer, a young, independently minded woman, rejects the marriage proposals of two suitors in her determination to stay in control of her destiny. When she suddenly comes into a large legacy, Isabel believes that this windfall will finally ensure the freedom that she yearns for and embarks on an exhilarating journey through France and Italy, only to find her endeavours thwarted by the sinister plotting of some of her acquaintances.

Considered by many to be Henry James’s finest novel, The Portrait of a Lady is a subtle examination of Victorian society and power relations, providing a groundbreaking psychological study of its protagonist. This volume is based on the authoritative New York Edition, and includes the author’s seminal preface.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Portrait of a Lady is often praised as a great and humane masterpiece. It explores complex themes of personal freedom and societal constraints through the story of a young American woman confronting her destiny. Critics frequently highlight its intricate character development and the depth of its psychological insight.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847495754

Publisher: Alma Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 March 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Alma Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 580g

Pages: 608

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Henry James Literary Fiction Series: Evergreens

About the Author

Henry James (1843–1916) was a Britain-based American author, whose realist novels exploring the consciousness of his characters paved the way for the Modernist fiction of the 1920s.

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