Tag Archives: the portrait of a lady

Book Review: The Portrait of a Lady (James)

Have I read this before: Nope. 

Review: I can see how the concept of Isabel was a novel one at the time this was written. But it seems like there’s been so many Isabels since then that that type of character is overdone and tired. Like just think of how many books/shows/etc. have a free-spirited woman who gets ALL THE PROPOSALS but rejects ALL OF THE PROPOSALS because she’s so free-spirited? I get it, I like the message, but this is so overdone today. 

Favorite Part: I did like this brief part of a conversation between Ralph and Isabel:  

At last she said abruptly: “I don’t see what harm there is in my wishing not to tie myself. I don’t want to begin life by marrying. There are other things a woman can do.”
“There’s nothing she can do so well. But you’re of course so many-sided.”
“If one’s two-sided it’s enough,” said Isabel.
“You’re the most charming of polygons!” her companion broke out.

Rating: 5/10