- Paperback: 424 pages
- Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks; New Ed edition (7 Oct 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0192837044
- ISBN-13: 978-0192837042
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,200,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Awkward Age
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Product Description
Product Description
The Awkward Age(1899), written at a time when female emancipation and the double standard were subjects of fierce debate, is the most remarkable example of James's dramatic method. The novel traces the experiences of 18-year-old Nanda Brookenham, exposed to corruption in the salon of her youthful, 'modern' mother, who, in maintaining a circle where talk is shockingly sophisticated, 'must sacrifice either her daughter or...her intellectual habits'. Does Nanda reach maturity and self-knowledge in the lively company of handsome, genial Vanderbank, whom she loves, and of ugly, intelligent, parvenu Mitchy, who loves her? Or is she a symbol of sterile idealism, as she clings to old Mr Longdon, with his memories of Nanda's grandmother, and of an aristocracy once untouched by money-troubles and dubious French novels? A sense of suppressed violence lurks behind this powerful story of virginal innocence and its importance in the marriage market.
About the Author
Henry James (1843-1916) was born in New York and settled in Europe in 1875. He was a regular contributor of reviews, critical essays, and short stories to American periodicals. He is best known for his many novels of American and European character.
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SAVE when it happened to rain Vanderbank always walked home, but he usually took a hansom when the rain was moderate and adopted the preference of the philosopher when it was heavy. Read the first page
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SAVE when it happened to rain Vanderbank always walked home, but he usually took a hansom when the rain was moderate and adopted the preference of the philosopher when it was heavy. Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you have never read any Henry James before then please, please don't start with this book. Of all his books this has to be the most ambiguous, after all we can take the 'awkward age' as that being the age where young Nanda is at, but also it could relate to most of the characters, and even to the age itself (the end of the 19th Century). This book has always met with huge differences of opinion with critics, and no wonder.
Nanda has been brought up hearing of her mother's 'salon' where things are discussed that were relevant to that age (the age of decadence and fin de seicle), thus her innocence could be seen as being corrupted. Old Mr Langdon, who was in love with Nanda's grandmother and sees her in Nanda doesn't want her to be corrupted, still living in a nostalgic view of the world being a simpler and easier place. He has decided who he wants to become Nanda's husband, but with others also vying for her hand, will he be able to get her to take his choice?
This story is set in 10 books, and there in lays the problem. In some ways each of these books is like a scene from a play, and as James has concentrated more in the vocalisation between the characters this reads more as a play (and we know what happened with James' plays). Indeed the speech at places is rather protracted, almost drawing out scenes to too great a length. Although this is what most critics have complained about this also is possibly the appeal of the story. I doubt if any two people will come away from reading this with the same views , making it ideal for any heated discussions in a reading group. It is this fact, that this book really makes you concentrate and think that has given it its appeal, but if you are looking for a quick read then this isn't it.
If you are not ino the books of Henry James then give this a wide berth. Even if you are into his books then you may still want to steer clear of this. The more you put into this the more rewarded and satisfied you will feel.
Nanda has been brought up hearing of her mother's 'salon' where things are discussed that were relevant to that age (the age of decadence and fin de seicle), thus her innocence could be seen as being corrupted. Old Mr Langdon, who was in love with Nanda's grandmother and sees her in Nanda doesn't want her to be corrupted, still living in a nostalgic view of the world being a simpler and easier place. He has decided who he wants to become Nanda's husband, but with others also vying for her hand, will he be able to get her to take his choice?
This story is set in 10 books, and there in lays the problem. In some ways each of these books is like a scene from a play, and as James has concentrated more in the vocalisation between the characters this reads more as a play (and we know what happened with James' plays). Indeed the speech at places is rather protracted, almost drawing out scenes to too great a length. Although this is what most critics have complained about this also is possibly the appeal of the story. I doubt if any two people will come away from reading this with the same views , making it ideal for any heated discussions in a reading group. It is this fact, that this book really makes you concentrate and think that has given it its appeal, but if you are looking for a quick read then this isn't it.
If you are not ino the books of Henry James then give this a wide berth. Even if you are into his books then you may still want to steer clear of this. The more you put into this the more rewarded and satisfied you will feel.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Donna Leon has "Commissario Brunetti's" wife "Paola" worship Henry James. So it was with great disappointment that I gave up on this book after 80 pages! My self confidence is completely shattered since I have started doubting my command of the English language!!! It feels like the characters are talking in a code that I am not privy to. The plot line no doubt wants to expose the double moral code of Victorian and Edwardian society, but does it in such a slow and boring way that at least I could not stay awake, feeling that I understood nothing.
In the foreward it says that it's about two girls. The protected Aggie that is kept a pure virgin with no knowledge of ANYTHING till the wedding night and then goes wild with extra-marital affairs and you name it. And then Nanda, that HEARS too much at home and from her friend, what happens in marriage, sothat she no longer is counted as pure enough. Tainted by association, she no longer is marriageable and is taken in by an older man for protection from her adulterous mother and the mother's wicked friends.
I'd rather go to the dentist than finish this book!
In the foreward it says that it's about two girls. The protected Aggie that is kept a pure virgin with no knowledge of ANYTHING till the wedding night and then goes wild with extra-marital affairs and you name it. And then Nanda, that HEARS too much at home and from her friend, what happens in marriage, sothat she no longer is counted as pure enough. Tainted by association, she no longer is marriageable and is taken in by an older man for protection from her adulterous mother and the mother's wicked friends.
I'd rather go to the dentist than finish this book!
1 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
`May fairly be considered one of James's major achievements' -- F. R. Leavis in The Great Tradition
Companion in theme, period, and setting to What Maisie Knew, THE AWKWARD AGE is another of Henry James's studies of innocence exposed to corrupting influences.
Nanda Brookenham is `coming out' in London society. Thrust suddenly into the vicious, immoral circle, which has gathered round her mother, she even finds herself in competition with Mrs Brookenham for the affection of a man she admires. The plot is almost entirely propelled by dialogue.
Companion in theme, period, and setting to What Maisie Knew, THE AWKWARD AGE is another of Henry James's studies of innocence exposed to corrupting influences.
Nanda Brookenham is `coming out' in London society. Thrust suddenly into the vicious, immoral circle, which has gathered round her mother, she even finds herself in competition with Mrs Brookenham for the affection of a man she admires. The plot is almost entirely propelled by dialogue.
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