The American
The American
Book Brief
435
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1860s
1877
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in 1868, The American by Henry James follows wealthy businessman Christopher Newman, who travels to Paris in search of a suitable wife. Meeting Claire de Cintré through friends, he begins a hesitant courtship complicated by her family's reluctance and strict social codes. As Newman navigates various relationships and societal expectations, he faces significant personal and ethical dilemmas.
Mysterious
Romantic
Challenging
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
7,069 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Henry James's novel The American skillfully depicts the cultural clash between the New World and Old World through protagonist Christopher Newman. Reviews praise its intricate character development and atmospheric prose. However, some critics find its pacing uneven and the plot occasionally meandering. Overall, it's a nuanced exploration of societal contrasts and personal ambition.
Who Should Read The American?
A reader who would enjoy The American by Henry James typically appreciates classic literature with intricate characters and themes of cultural clash. Fans of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton or Middlemarch by George Eliot will find the novel's exploration of societal norms and personal transformation particularly compelling.
7,069 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The American was first published in serialized form in 1876–1877 in The Atlantic Monthly, which means readers originally enjoyed it in installments much like a TV series today.
The novel explores cultural contrasts and conflicts between America and Europe, a recurring theme in Henry James's works, reflecting his own transatlantic life experiences.
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Henry James revised The American for its publication in book form in 1877, showcasing his lifelong habit of refining and reworking his novels to achieve his artistic vision.
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435
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1860s
1877
Adult
16+ years
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