Ebookwormy's review
The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics)
by Henry James
Ebookwormy's review
The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics) by Henry James
Ebookwormy's review
rating:
bookshelves:
carp-500
Henry James is, admittedly, long winded. At times, one does feel like you want him to move along already. However, he is always worth the read to me.
In this book, I love the character of Isabel Archer. She is young, full of ideas, wants to travel and see the world and have experiences (i remember being that way!). One must also remember that society for young women at this time was much more restrictive and Isabel's ideas less likely to be satisfied. Her greatest quality, however, is her desire to do what is right. This is really what holds her captive to her destiny, whether it is refusing suitors or remaining loyal to difficult decisions. I think this characteristic makes the book particularly valuable/ relateable for Christian women. In the secular context, Isabel's deliberations would be viewed as annoying and even juvenille. In addition, a secularist would berate her "sacrificing" her freedom to remain steadfast to a decision she regrets. It is only in the refinemen...more
In this book, I love the character of Isabel Archer. She is young, full of ideas, wants to travel and see the world and have experiences (i remember being that way!). One must also remember that society for young women at this time was much more restrictive and Isabel's ideas less likely to be satisfied. Her greatest quality, however, is her desire to do what is right. This is really what holds her captive to her destiny, whether it is refusing suitors or remaining loyal to difficult decisions. I think this characteristic makes the book particularly valuable/ relateable for Christian women. In the secular context, Isabel's deliberations would be viewed as annoying and even juvenille. In addition, a secularist would berate her "sacrificing" her freedom to remain steadfast to a decision she regrets. It is only in the refinemen...more
