This took an eternity to slog through. Absolutely the most convolutedly wordy book i have ever read. It seemed often as if it was circular language......flowery thoughtfulness, qualifying supporting environmental data helping to set the stage (although not sure for what!), subterfuge, pretend societal politeness and correctness, peppered with much unspoken impolite suggestiveness.......all tied eternally together to tell a story about not a whole hell of a lot! I mean, nobody EVER said what they were thinking.....well, maybe Mr. Longdon did occasionally.......and the Duchess when it could create a crude and uncomfortable moment...or should i say 'awkward' moment. These were vapid empty souls who clingingly relied on each other to literally survive socially, but who were entirely incapable of being clear about anything to each other. Tedious.....and since i read to be entertained, this did not in any way fit the bill......i felt i was working the whole time to not get lost in a book where very little happened. I am sure English literature wonks may have hefty praise for this literary device and that clever turn of phrase....but I can confidently say it was all wasted on poor little ole me! ( )

Eigenlijk de beschrijving van het gedrag van walgelijke mensen. In dat opzicht is het boek dan toch nog niet zo slecht als het eerst leek. ( )

God awful. If you want a laugh, search for "Henry James worst writer ever" to read what famous authors have to say about him. Brutal and hilarious and 100% true. Best is: "Henry James doesn't bite off more than he can chew. He chews more than he bites off." And Nabokov: "Perhaps there is some other Henry James and I am continuously hitting upon the wrong one?" ( )