The Portrait of a Lady (book)

*The Portrait of a Lady* by Henry James is a novel about Isabel Archer, a spirited young American woman who travels to Europe and inherits wealth and independence. She seeks personal freedom and self-discovery, but her trusting nature leads to difficult choices involving love, betrayal, and sacrifice. The story explores themes of autonomy, societal expectations, and the complexity of human relationships, illustrating how personal desires can clash with external pressures. Through detailed character development, James offers a nuanced portrait of a woman's journey toward maturity and the costs of her pursuit of independence.