As usual, Henry James fascinates and baffles at the same time

[CinnamonSugar]

Just finished watched the 1971 BBC production of Henry James' "The Spoils of Poynton" (I know, I know, very stiff sets and stylized acting) I am *not* a big fan of Henry James.... usually trying to read one of his novels is like walking through knee-deep molasses... but I found this intriguing, mainly on the strength of the the great Gemma Jones' portrayal of her character. I have to admit, the ending was kind of inscrutable; though of course that's one of the things I don't understand about his writing-- Henry has a way of giving the shaft to his most sympathetic characters.

I've *tried* to read the "Golden Bowl" and I read "Portrait of a Lady." Both left me feeling, 'Meh.'

Anyone else struggle with James' writings? Do you think the movie/tv adaptations have done them justice?

 

[jujube]

"Portrait of a Lady"was the main focus of one of my college lit classes. I can't say I
partiularly enjoyed it but that may have been because it was being rammed down my throat. That and "Billy Budd".