Henry James
1903
Around 500 pages
I chose the above picture for this entry because it closely mirrored my own expression when reading this novel. Henry and I are truly two peas in a pod.
Lambert Strether is on mission. He has been asked by his wealthy fiancee to go to Paris and rescue her son, Chad, who she worries in the clutches of some wicked European woman. Once Lambert arrives in Europe and gets swept up in Chad's world, he begins to feel like he missed out on life.
So, once again, there is a plot that sounds good and once again, James manages to bury any intrigue in unnecessary, long-winded prose. The feeling that Lambert has in Europe is universal, so why does James make it feel so inaccessible here?
I see that there is some value here, if only I were able to adapt to the rhythm of his stories. But I don't see that moment arriving any time soon. Yawn, next.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
James' favorite of his own works. Mmkay.
One of Modern Library's 100 best English language novels of the 20th century.
UP NEXT: The Golden Bowl by Henry James. Last Henry James novel on the List! Rejoice!
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