THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY VOLUME I

The Portrait Of a Lady is a novel by Henry James. The story is about a young spirited American woman, Isabel Archer, who "affronts her destiny" and finds it overwhelming. She inherits a large sum of money and is the victim of Machiavellian schemes by 2 American expatriates. The novel is regarded as a masterpiece. It reflects James's interest in the differences between the New and the Old World, many times a detriment to the latter. It also treats in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, betrayal and sexuality.