The American - Old World meets New (The American - Henry James)

Member Name: Alternum

Product:	The American - Henry James
Date:	18/07/00 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Likeable main characters, evocative descriptive passages, easy to read

Disadvantages: Fairly predictable plot line, slow in the middle

Christopher Newman, a wealthy American businessman, travels to Europe in the hope of broadening his mind, tired of the constant to-and-fro of his commercial life. On meeting an old friend in Paris, he is introduced to the beautiful yet indecipherable Madame de Cintré - and the scene is set for a classic clash between old world and new, as Newman makes it his goal, against the wishes of the proud, haughty family, to wed her. By turns hopeful, inspiring, and downright depressing, we see through Newman's logical eyes the incomprehensibility of the world he is in, and see how fare his attempts to win over Mme de Cintré's family, and bring a little American fresh air into their lives. A little slow in the middle, as Newman goes back and forth in Paris, but the book is well worth staying with as the pace quickens noticeably towards the end. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable book, containing elements which should appeal to most people.

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