The Portrait of a Lady - Henry James

[karibou]

I'm several chapters into this book. I hope to have more of the book read in the coming weeks. If anyone else is reading this, it would be good to know and to know how you are enjoying/not enjoying chapters, characters, etc. I haven't read any classic novels for a while but I'm looking to change that....and to read various classics in the coming years. I will be glad to get some discussion wherever I can. It's nice to have that, as I think it will push me further into the books and keep me motivated.

So far I will say, I'm no great study of 19th century culture in America or England and there is a quite a lot interaction between the 2 in this novel. Isabel Archer, the main character, seems to have a beauty and a spirit that entertains and attracts Lord Wharburton as well as others. My opinion is not very well-developed about her personality but I should have more comments later on. I do find myself enjoying the setting and some of the conversations, although I don't follow them real well all the time because of the difference between our time and their time. All the main characters are wealthy and have such a refined sense of taste. Anyway, I hope to share more in the coming weeks and hope to find others that may be reading the novel.

[Elizabeth Rogers 47]

I don't know if this is a 'proper' suggestion for a book club, but I find that if I'm having a hard time getting into a book, I either glance at Cliff Notes if available, or I look for the DVD. Then you will have a better idea of what is going on, and there is always more going on in the book than in the movie, and you will be able to stick with it. I did see this film, and it was very interesting.

[sarahdvt]

I actually recently finished reading "The Portrait of a Lady" and once you get through the first few chapters, the story picks up. The climax and ending leave you wishing you had more to develop on. I tried reading this book last summer, and I barely made it through the first chapter, so I put it down and decided to try again this past winter. I was able to finish it, but it did take a while.

[mccarty231]

I read this book last year for a class and I must positively implore you to keep reading! What starts as a sort of Jane Austen plot becomes so much more. (No offense to Austen.) love to hear your thoughts on the ending, Osmond, and Caspar Goodwood.