Tara's Reviews > The Golden Bowl

** spoiler alert ** 4.5

It was apparent that Mr. James wrote this novel over an expanse of time. Not atypical for him, in the first 20% of the book, there were 20+ word sentences that could have been shortened and still beautifully and magnificently expressed what he was trying to convey. However I found in the 2nd part of the novel that this habit of his decreased and made the book that much more enjoyable to read.

It is a great story and like the other novels of his that I’ve read, he pulled me in from the start. With my previous experience of reading his works, I knew at the end there might be some unexpected twist that leaves the reader a bit haunted and maybe heartbroken. Throughout the story, I was never rooting for the Prince and Charlotte but based on Mr. James “sometimes tragic endings” I couldn’t help but think that they would prevail. I couldn’t t help but think that Amerigo and his lover (also his stepmother) would “win”. Then I started to doubt myself. Maybe they wouldn’t get what they wanted? Maybe their deep secrets would get them in trouble? Maybe Charlotte’s husband, Mr. Verver knew more than he let on? Then a new deceit appeared to defeat the old lies and secrets. Would Maggie and her husband, the Prince, truly be happy after successfully pulling off the ultimate duplicity? Yet still, until the very last chapter, I wondered if that was really going to be the case. He challenged me right until the end. Bravo Mr. James. Bravo.