The American

by Henry James
The American cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £8.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1477
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9783732692804
  • Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
  • Published: 2018-05-23
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 3

The American by Henry James is a timeless exploration of cultural differences and personal identity. The novel follows Christopher Newman, a self-made American businessman who travels to Europe seeking refinement and love. His encounters with European aristocracy and the complexities of old-world society reveal the stark contrasts between American pragmatism and European tradition. /n/n James's intricate prose and keen observations make this a compelling read for those interested in the nuances of human behavior and the clash of cultures. The novel's themes of love, ambition, and cultural identity remain relevant, offering a rich tapestry of social commentary and character development.

Reviews
FictionFan's Book Reviews · 2020-11-02
good 3.50

The first half of the book is slow but amusing, offering a glimpse into the characters and their society. The novel's strength lies in its character development and social commentary.

This reviewer found the beginning of 'The American' to be a bit slow, but they appreciated the humor and the way Henry James introduces the characters and their societal context. They enjoyed how the novel delves into the nuances of the characters and the social dynamics of the time. The reviewer values the depth of the characters and the insight into the societal norms of the period, making it a thoughtful and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    The first half is slow but quite amusing, as James reveals the characters and the society in which they operate.

    The novel's strength lies in its character development and social commentary.

    It's a thoughtful and engaging read.

Quiet and Busy · 2018-03-14
excellent 5.00

The novel fits perfectly with their love for classic literature, capturing the right time period and plot complexity. It's a delightful read with the perfect amount of detail.

This reviewer absolutely adores classic novels, and 'The American' ticks all the right boxes for them. They appreciate the intricate details and the setting, which makes the story feel authentic and engaging. The plot is just the right amount of complex, making it a satisfying read. They find the novel to be a perfect blend of social commentary and engaging storytelling, making it a standout in their collection of classics.

Quick quotes

    It's exactly the sort of classic novel that I love.

    It's the right time period, the right plot, and right amount of fussiness for me.

    I can now ...

West Pacific Review · 2012-07-27
intriguing 4.00

The novel offers a stark contrast between American and French social behaviors, highlighting personal desires and societal differences. It's a compelling exploration of cultural contrasts.

This review emphasizes the novel's exploration of cultural differences, particularly between American and French social behaviors. The reviewer finds the contrast between personal desires and societal expectations to be a compelling aspect of the story. The novel's portrayal of these differences is seen as a strength, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates how James uses the characters to illustrate these cultural nuances, adding depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    We are shown how an American behaves in a social setting giving value to personal desires and circumstances, contrasted with the French ...

    The novel's portrayal of these differences is seen as a strength.

    It's a thought-provoking read.

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