The Portrait of a Lady

Henry James’s most famous novel is one of his best pure character studies, the story of a newly wealthy American girl (Isabel Archer) who travels to Europe to “confront her destiny” but finds herself betrayed at every turn. Isabel is a memorable creation — innocent, plucky, vulnerable, and (despite some poor life choices) intelligent. And while her unexpected inheritance gives her a measure of freedom, James shows this to be a mixed blessing that ultimately reveals essential features of her character.