The Portrait Of A Lady (Classic Serial)

By: Rachel Joyce, Henry James

Narrated by: Anna Maxwell Martin, Robert Bathhurst, Gayle Hunnicutt, Haydn Gwynne

Henry James's novel, dramatised by Rachel Joyce. Young and beautiful, Isabel Archer thinks that she is in control of her fate. Little does she know, however, that others behind the scenes are pulling the strings. The beautiful and free-spirited Isabel Archer is now a very rich woman. Two men have declared their love for her but she does not want to be married. Resolved to enjoy her fortune, she begins her travels. Starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Haydn Gwynne, Robert Bathurst, Gayle Hunnicutt and full cast. Pianist Duncan Walsh Atkins. Directed by Tracey Neale.

Opens the path to comprehension of a masterpiece

Reading Henry James is an arduous task but one that moves you deeply. This dramatization is a moving experience and opens the way to understand a great work of art.

Very good as dramatisation but can't replace the book

I liked the dramatization but, as with any dramatization, it is missing a deeper insights into characters. I think I prefere reading or listening to the full book over listening to this sort of radio-play (however good it may be)

Loved it

I 've never managed to finish the book. Loved the dramatization. I wish you had more of the bbc serial classics.

First time Henry James reader. Not impressed.

What disappointed you about The Portrait of a Lady (Classic Serial)?

I found the female characters to be a little slow and overall ridiculous. The men were mostly portrayed as either abusive or love sick to the point of ignorance.

What was most disappointing about Henry James and Rachel Joyce (dramatisation) ’s story?

The lack of a definitive plot line. It seemed to meander about with no place to go.

Did the narrators do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Mostly.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not that I could tell. As a historical novel, it was sadly short of the writings of Jane Austin.