The Portrait of a Lady: (with an Introduction by Charles R. Anderson)

I enjoyed reading this even more today than I did years ago when I was less patient with classic writing. This wonderful novel has held me closely and soothed me consistently as we are experiencing such turbulent times today. Isabel Archer is such a fine witness to a world that comes alive when you lift up this book.

I read this book several times as an A level English Literature student years ago, ... As well as several others by Henry James, by Thomas Hardy, by Charles Dickens, & I had forgotten, through the intervening years and stresses & pressures, the pleasure of having to actually take the time to read the written word, word for word, following the development of the thought / theme as it unfolds & where it goes as relates to the weaving of character & plot - Rather than skimming through pages brain candy, (which is tasty too, don't get me wrong), ... But to have the realization dawn on you that this is not possible to peruse as you would brain candy, but, rather a feast for the intellect and to comprehend and absorb what's being sketched out, to slow down and savour the flavour and allow the time to relax into not rushing through it - Hard to do, in the helter skelter of over-tasking in our day to day scurrying around, ... But worth the try, ... Better now than then indeed, ...

Great novel that was originally a serialized magazine composition. It will test your English vocabulary and your French. It is a great character study. Amazing to see the characters analyze one another. Great strengths of character and some great weaknesses too. A suspenseful plot. Status seeking and money grubbing included. Nineteenth century morality which had many virtues and vices. If you have an interest in English, French and Italian culture of the Nineteenth century you will enjoy its insights therein. Have known about the book and author for many years but never got around to reading it. Indulge in it!

This is typical James at work Generally boring tale but great if you want to improve your vocabulary. James' usual psychological tale this time of a young American woman in Europe, a sexually repressed female who comes into sudden wealth. The evil and perversity is simmering below the surface like a Shakespearean play.

I happen to love the writing of Henry James. He is one of our most renowned novelists & I so enjoy reading about the gilded pomp & privilege, the manners & morals of the day. He does it so brilliantly you hardly want to stop reading as you are easily transfixed in the heroines life & hard fought education!

Isabel Archer was a woman before her time. Reading about her made me want to stand up and yell, “Yes, you can!” It would be great fun to do a comparison of this book and “The Bell Jar.“ This is one of few books I have read more than once.

Arrived quickly and in perfect condition considering the age of the book .Thrilled beyond expectations.

This book is amazingly modern considering it was written in the 19th centuryWhile the plot is fairly simple and straight forward the characters are deep and mysterious. I particularly loved reading this book again as a mature person seeing it from a different perspective