An excellent analysis of this beautiful novel, as well as of James and his body of work. Beautifully written by a thoughtful scholar who clearly loves this novel, yet can still retain critical distance. I especially appreciated how he brought in his personal relationship to the book. This is a must read for any James fan. ( )

To begin my review, I did receive this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.

That said, this was a gem of a study of Henry James' life and his novel, "Portrait of a Lady". Michael Gorra begins with James' birth and childhood, continuing on to analyze his life, experiences, and growth as a writer.

To really grasp what Gorra has done it is best if readers of this book have read at least James' novel "Portrait of a Lady". If you haven't read the novel and then read this study, you may not fully understand what Gorra has done. He has taken this American masterpiece and its creator, putting both under a microscope. In analyzing James' life and his personal journals, he is able to portray the personal touches, how life was imitated in art, and how timeless literary masters and their works are timeless. Those who read this book that haven't read Portrait of a Lady will not only have the story's plot ruined but will also miss out on James' wonderful use of words, syntax, structure, and sarcasm.

Reading this book brought back memories of the first and second times that I have read "Portrait of a Lady". What a struggle the first time but once I understood the plot the second time was a pleasure. "Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece" brought back the joy of James' writing for me. It enlightened me on his personal life and experiences. Michael Gorra has done an incredible job. He has taken the typical "stuffy" Victorian man and made him intriguing. He has analyzed multiple works and has combined all the information into an easily readable biography/literary criticism. Do not think that this will be a dry biography/critique - it is everything but that.

A sheer joy to read - this is a must for any lover of literature, biographies, and history. ( )

For James fans, a must-read. Fascinating, well-told, so pleasurable and informative about the writers' life and process, and ways of reading the novel itself. ( )