59 pages 1 hour read

Henry James

The Golden Bowl

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1904

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Golden Bowl by Henry James explores the intricate relationships and hidden affairs within two marriages. Amerigo, who was once in love with Charlotte, marries Maggie, while Charlotte marries Maggie’s father, Adam. When Maggie’s focus on her father allows Amerigo and Charlotte to rekindle their affair, Maggie eventually uncovers their secret and devises a plan to ensure her marriage's survival.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Henry James's The Golden Bowl reflect a mix of admiration for its intricate exploration of human relationships and frustration with its dense prose. Praised for its psychological depth and complex characters, the novel is also critiqued for its challenging narrative style. Overall, readers appreciate the novel's thematic richness but caution against its demanding readability.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Golden Bowl?

Readers who enjoy intricate psychological drama and complex relationships will be captivated by Henry James's The Golden Bowl. Fans of Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence and E.M. Forster's Howards End will appreciate its intricate prose and deep exploration of morality and betrayal. Suitable for those who savor literary classics.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

American Literature

Themes

Relationships: Marriage

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness

Topics

History: U.S.

History: World