The Portrait of a Lady (1881) - Henry James Audiobook

Written by Henry James
Read by Wanda McCaddon, Nadia May
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Release date: March 8, 2005
Duration: 22:50:08

Beautiful, spirited Isabel Archer, an American heiress newly arrived in Europe, is widely expected to quickly marry. But Isabel does not look to a man to furnish her with destiny; instead she desires, with grace and courage, to find it herself. Two eligible suitors are refused in favor of her pursuit of glorious independence. But then, Isabel becomes utterly captivated by the languid charms of the cunning Gilbert Osmond. To him, she represents a superior prize to be won; through him, she faces a tragic choice.

A subtle and poignant psychological novel of love and betrayal, The Portrait of a Lady is widely considered to be James’s masterpiece. F.R. Leavis declared that “we can’t ask for a finer exhibition of James’s peculiar gifts.”

Classic books make you realize why you listen to audiobooks in the first place; they’re interesting, have great characters and are well crafted.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than hearing a fine story told well. Wanda McCaddon’s distinguished British accent provides a smooth narration of one of Henry James’s most-loved novels. This 1881 story tells of Isabel Archer, an American heiress, as she meets the upper classes in England during her first trip abroad. A love story ensues, full of Jamesian conflict, and Archer eventually chooses among several suitors and decides how she will lead her life. One of James’s most piercing psychological novels, this book benefits from McCaddon’s even, perfectly paced delivery. Her reading brings out the subtlety of this wonderful work. K.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Note – The book is listed as read by Nadia May. Wanda McCaddon and Nadia May are the same person.