Tuesday Intros: The Golden Bowl.

At the weekend the book group met to discuss, 'The Golden Bowl' by Henry James. Whew, what a difficult read! The language was so complex. I had read it before, many years ago, but don't remember finding it so difficult. Perhaps I was used, then, to reading long, Victorian novels whereas now I'm a 21st century reader.

But it was worth the trouble because once I got into the story I was hooked! It made for a great discussion, although, because of the complexity of the writing not everyone managed to finish the book. There are just six main characters, in the form of three couples. The opening sentence introduces us to the handsome Italian prince.

Have you read this book? Did you find it a struggle? What a devious piece of work Charlotte is, not someone I would describe as a friend!  What a lot of questions this story raises.

With thanks to Barbara who hosts Tuesday Intros.

Synchronicity!

Because we had just returned from St Ives a friend lent me this book about Virginia Woolf and her sister, Vanessa Bell, who spent long summers throughout their childhood on the town.

I was surprised to find a photo in the book of Henry James visiting Talland House, the place that the Stevens family rented each summer. (It wasn't comfortable enough for Henry James, however, he stayed at the more luxurious Tregenna castle Hotel.)

Virginia's mother and younger brother with Henry James.