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The Portrait of a Lady
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 26 hrs and 41 mins
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The Portrait of a Lady
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Summary
The Portrait of a Lady tells the compelling and ultimately tragic tale of a beautiful young American woman's encounter with European sophistication. Set principally in England and Italy, the story follows Isabel Archer's fortunes as a variety of admirers vie for her hand. Her choice will be crucial, and she is not wanting for advice, whether from the generous-spirited Ralph Touchett or the charming Madame Merle.
The Portrait of a Lady was an immediate success upon publication; it remains the most popular of James' longer works and is generally regarded as the masterpiece of his early period.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
What listeners say about The Portrait of a Lady
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Paula Diggle
- 01-05-17
Excellent
A class ic English novel read superlatively well. it's easy to get lost reading Henry James' prose but Juliet Stephenson makes it so comprehensible. A most enjoyable listen.
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MRS
- 30-09-16
gripping novel
wonderful narration - Juliet Stevenson at her best. the characterisation and storyline henry james at his finest . I would strongly recommend .
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17 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Carol
- 27-06-19
A test of determination
I really wanted to like this book given its acclaim as a classic, but all I can say is, buy the abridged version if it’s available. Despite the superb narration of Juliet Stevenson (as usual) so much of this book is dull and dry, full of vague dialogue where no one seems to say exactly what they are thinking. The last quarter is much more interesting but only sheer determination got me through to the end. I enjoy reading classic novels, but unlike Dickens and Austen who infuse their stories with warm vibrant characters and subtle humour, this felt more like a lecture delivered under the thin veneer of a narrative. None of the characters are particularly likeable - Isabelle at best is frustrating (I just wanted to shake her); the reptilian, manipulating Gilbert hateful. The up-in-the-air ending has left me feeling little more than irritated.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- nooban
- 30-04-20
wonderful
thank you. a variety of impersonations used, lovely intonation which matches the text. special listen!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Iain R. Fraser
- 09-05-19
well written . dull
Very well written. Excellent narration. Long dull repetitive tale. Miserable theme, wretched futility of the privileged in emotionally stunted and stifled times. Ultimately unrewarding.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bob
- 27-10-16
Juliet Stevenson
Juliet Stevenson read this novel with magical skill. Everything she reads is brilliantly done.
The novel is one of the great 19th-century novels and deserved a fine reading. I recommend also her reading of the novels of Virginia Woolf.
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28 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-05-19
Ok
this was very long winded story. it was a bit off at times to. sorry.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- C
- 07-10-17
Disappointing
An ambiguous ending, how dissatisfying. Rest of the novel is good although slightly unbelievable in parts. I adore juliet Stevensons narration usually but her French accent for pansy grated after a while. Altogether a disappointing read in the end, especially with such a long novel.... an unsatisfying conclusion.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ms Cathy McCarty
- 23-03-21
Narrator
I would never be so audacious as to review Henry James but feel compelled to say that Juliet Stevenson is superb as narrator! Her American accent is not only faultless, she manages to use the particular accent of 1900 America. Wonderful!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Pamela Kulaszewski
- 23-08-21
A heart breaking tragedy read beautifully.
I just love this classic novel, surely the best by Henry James, in my opinion. James paints a picture with words that reveals the psyche of Isabel Archer. This is a difficult novel, sometimes hard to follow with an ambiguous ending that some will find does not satisfy. However James is a master of the use of English prose and Juliet Stevenson's reading of the novel is outstanding. If you like action, this one isn't for you but if you want to listen to the English language at its richest best you won't be disappointed.
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1 person found this helpful