I'm coming to the conversation late, but I love to see our generation giving James a read. I liked your review and your summary of the ending. James has a tragic bent; his characters are almost lifelike in their inability to avoid fate. The Wings of a Dove is my favorite from him, but Portrait of a Lady was my introduction to James, so I'll always have a soft spot for it. I think your quote about the dress is more descriptive of his style; he's a man who makes spoken what is unspoken, and his conversations always revolve around the best and brightest, trying to make sense of society, morals and themselves. I don't know if I can relate to or understand Isabel. The caricature of her as her own woman grates with her relationship with the domineering, cold Gilbert. It is almost as though she has subconsciously asked for what she doesn't want.
Thank you for this review. The passage you quoted about her genius is interesting, it’s not her genius to be independent but her genius to give the impression of being independent. Perhaps that’s what leads her astray. Osmond says at some point that he wants to become what he loves. There is something at fault in Isabel which leads her to get caught up with this man in a crisis who forms an attachment to her and then grows to hate and envy her for her independence.
hehe i have a hard time w/ small font books too. eyes getting old. just finished The Bostonians, and it took 3 diff versions before i settled on the Oxford World Classics
Thank you for a good introductory video when I am just starting to read The Portrait of a Lady, my first Henry James novel. I am not quite sure if this novel is a good choice as the first novel by the author though as it is not easy to read.
well, I think the ending shows very well the fact that she stays true to her values ..she accepts the consequences of her choices,she knows marrying Osmond was a mistake and now she can simply run off with Casper,but she chooses not to.she has been independent and strong from the begining,the factor that makes her preferable.if you have watched the movie adaptation , the last scence when she is running towards the door,she has actually chosen to go back to her husband maybe to sort things out,but there is a second when she turns back and looks far away and the movie is over.i'm guessing it shows that there is always hope even of the slightest degree that although the present sucks, you can always change the furture to the better.
I've wanted to read this for such a long time, I should really get round to it! I highly recommend Edith Wharton if you've not read her work before; I think you'd love it. She was a friend and contemporary of James'. The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence are also about society's conventions and they're both brilliant novels! (And a lot shorter too!) I really like your channel btw, keep up the good work :)
It was nice to hear why you enjoyed this book because I read this book a couple of months back and honestly I did not love it. I prefer other books by Hebert James. I’m currently reading the American, and I have to say that I am enjoying the plotline more.
I enjoyed your summery, this book has been on my classics tbr for some time but I've never really known what it is about. I am definitely more interested, especially since you seemed to enjoy it so much. :) - Jess
I am currently reading The Turn of the Screw, my very first James book, and i am having a tough time getting through it because of the prose, which i find very dense (as i myself is a non-native english speaker). But there is something in the story itself that hooks me to the core,which makes me want to read another work from him or more... which novel of his do you suggest i read after? Love your videos 💛
Fabulous review! :) Your edition is so pretty. I've always put this off because of the length of it, but I think I'll definitely give it a go now; thank you for the push!
Kirsty On Books aw thankyou. I like my edition but it is now got highlighter pen in it and the spine is completely broken, it now looks like one of those american floppy books lol. I want to get the penguin English library version because that is beautiful!!!!
Aww, no! I hate it when books don't stand up to heavy-duty use like that. Oh goodness, it is! I'm yet to buy a Penguin English Library book; I really want one though! May have to get one on the BookTube meet-up... :P
Secondly, i don't think it's easy to get on with James's way of writing which often tends to be loaded with complexity. James is certainly not for the beginners or for those who want to derive easy pleasure out of their reading.
A bit old fashion, but still important language that will be to your benefit to know and implement. Henry James is 19th century English, so the vocabulary is high-flute. It is sophisticated. But studying the vocabulary in a novel like this will help you understand English on a deeper level. Do you know French? Because a lot of old French influenced the foundational words for English, back circa 1100s with William the Conqueror and the Normand Invasion.
Not a big fan of this book, but love your commentary. I thought all characters were unremarkable and the book plodded along at a snail's pace while characters tried to outmaneuver and deceive each other by speaking in riddles.
I'm coming to the conversation late, but I love to see our generation giving James a read. I liked your review and your summary of the ending. James has a tragic bent; his characters are almost lifelike in their inability to avoid fate. The Wings of a Dove is my favorite from him, but Portrait of a Lady was my introduction to James, so I'll always have a soft spot for it. I think your quote about the dress is more descriptive of his style; he's a man who makes spoken what is unspoken, and his conversations always revolve around the best and brightest, trying to make sense of society, morals and themselves. I don't know if I can relate to or understand Isabel. The caricature of her as her own woman grates with her relationship with the domineering, cold Gilbert. It is almost as though she has subconsciously asked for what she doesn't want.
Thank you for this review. The passage you quoted about her genius is interesting, it’s not her genius to be independent but her genius to give the impression of being independent. Perhaps that’s what leads her astray.
Osmond says at some point that he wants to become what he loves. There is something at fault in Isabel which leads her to get caught up with this man in a crisis who forms an attachment to her and then grows to hate and envy her for her independence.
could you let us know what pages those quotations are on? I find them intriguing!
hehe i have a hard time w/ small font books too. eyes getting old. just finished The Bostonians, and it took 3 diff versions before i settled on the Oxford World Classics
Thank you for a good introductory video when I am just starting to read The Portrait of a Lady, my first Henry James novel. I am not quite sure if this novel is a good choice as the first novel by the author though as it is not easy to read.
well, I think the ending shows very well the fact that she stays true to her values ..she accepts the consequences of her choices,she knows marrying Osmond was a mistake and now she can simply run off with Casper,but she chooses not to.she has been independent and strong from the begining,the factor that makes her preferable.if you have watched the movie adaptation , the last scence when she is running towards the door,she has actually chosen to go back to her husband maybe to sort things out,but there is a second when she turns back and looks far away and the movie is over.i'm guessing it shows that there is always hope even of the slightest degree that although the present sucks, you can always change the furture to the better.
+saeedeh aa I haven't seen any film versions so I will have to check them out, thank you!
I've wanted to read this for such a long time, I should really get round to it!
I highly recommend Edith Wharton if you've not read her work before; I think you'd love it. She was a friend and contemporary of James'. The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence are also about society's conventions and they're both brilliant novels! (And a lot shorter too!)
I really like your channel btw, keep up the good work :)
It was nice to hear why you enjoyed this book because I read this book a couple of months back and honestly I did not love it.
I prefer other books by Hebert James. I’m currently reading the American, and I have to say that I am enjoying the plotline more.
I haven't read any other books of his so I might give them a go, thanks :)
Im going to read The figure in the Carpet by Henry James
I enjoyed your summery, this book has been on my classics tbr for some time but I've never really known what it is about. I am definitely more interested, especially since you seemed to enjoy it so much. :) - Jess
J&J Books that's great thank you, if you do pick it up I hope you enjoy it :)
Have you re-read this?
Thanks for your honest opinions and please keep on doing it, really appreciate it!
I am currently reading The Turn of the Screw, my very first James book, and i am having a tough time getting through it because of the prose, which i find very dense (as i myself is a non-native english speaker). But there is something in the story itself that hooks me to the core,which makes me want to read another work from him or more... which novel of his do you suggest i read after? Love your videos 💛
Im afraid this is the only one of his books I have read so far
Fabulous review! :) Your edition is so pretty. I've always put this off because of the length of it, but I think I'll definitely give it a go now; thank you for the push!
Kirsty On Books aw thankyou. I like my edition but it is now got highlighter pen in it and the spine is completely broken, it now looks like one of those american floppy books lol. I want to get the penguin English library version because that is beautiful!!!!
Aww, no! I hate it when books don't stand up to heavy-duty use like that. Oh goodness, it is! I'm yet to buy a Penguin English Library book; I really want one though! May have to get one on the BookTube meet-up... :P
Kirsty On Books YESSSS haha they are so pretty editions, you will have to invest in one just out of book vanity haha
Definitely; I'm all for that idea! :P
@@kirstyonbooks did you like the book?
Secondly, i don't think it's easy to get on with James's way of writing which often tends to be loaded with complexity. James is certainly not for the beginners or for those who want to derive easy pleasure out of their reading.
This was wonderful and in-depth. Your review has definitely piqued my interest in this novel. =)
CravingBooks aw thankyou, I hope you enjoy if you do decide to pick it up :)
Good one, but i am also one of those disappointed by the ending. Isabel is perpetuating a marriage in which she no faith left. Why would she do it?
As a non-native speaker, I was wondering, does Portrait of a lady have relevant vocabulary or is it too old fashioned?
A bit old fashion, but still important language that will be to your benefit to know and implement.
Henry James is 19th century English, so the vocabulary is high-flute. It is sophisticated. But studying the vocabulary in a novel like this will help you understand English on a deeper level. Do you know French? Because a lot of old French influenced the foundational words for English, back circa 1100s with William the Conqueror and the Normand Invasion.
I had read What Maisie Knew
Thanks
Thanks for your video!
Thank you for watching
You are my favourite book tuber . Xx
Wow...what a compliment..Thank you so much!!
Not a big fan of this book, but love your commentary. I thought all characters were unremarkable and the book plodded along at a snail's pace while characters tried to outmaneuver and deceive each other by speaking in riddles.
I also think that the ending might have something to do with it being written by a man More videos please :)
I hate this book. Everyone is insufferable,.Isabel is a Mary Sue and the purple prose is fastidious and annoying.
Bingo