The Portrait of a Lady Vol I — Henry James

Henry James s great humane masterpiece The Portrait of a Lady 1881 the story of a young spirited American woman affronting her destiny is many readers favourite of his books All his critics and biographers put it at the centre of his life and work It is his turning point From being a popular and promising author specialising in Americans in Europe Daisy Miller The Europeans The American he became an important renowned figure acknowledged as a master of consciousness cultural perceptions humour subtlety and depth Hermione Lee The Guardian