The Awkward Age (Annotated - Includes Essay and Biography)

The novel The Awkward Age was published in 1899. The story, set in contemporary time, revolves around Nanda Brookenham, the daughter of Fernanda. Fernanda, who goes by the name of Mrs. Brook, keeps a fashionable London salon. She has ambitions for her daughter to marry well, and has delayed her daughters debut into society for as long as possible.

The title of the novel, The Awkward Age, is open to speculative interpretation as to whose awkward age James is referring to.