Never Leave Me (published in 1953) - A book by Harold Robbins, about a man on the make

Harold Robins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which were translated into 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made into successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.
Harold Robins chronicles the jet set life style of New York where all morals and values pales before the altar of your bank account. In the big apple your status is determined not by your family, love or position, it takes in to account the the bank balance and the power of plastic. Into this big bad world enters Brad with stars in his eyes to make it big. He has his pretty wife Marge to set house for him and to love and cherish. As he climbs diligently up the corporate ladder, his efforts are noticed by the Steel Tycoon Matt Brady.



Brady recruits him aggressively dangling dollops of carrots in terms of money, women and all luxuries. Brad, soon under the pay roll of the millionaire, falls in to the decadent life style. He meets the sexy seductress Elaine and embarks on a steamy affair which would make even Lady Chatterley blush. Robbins goes over board with his steamy revelations and graphic sex scenes.
Brad soon develops a conscience, as he gets to know Brady and this anomaly is a surprise development. As Brad quits, Brady becomes a jealous ex-employer who is all set to ruin him. Soon his business and along with it his mistress also departs with only handful of friends left to console him. So Brad returns to his wife, turns a new leaf to live again.
Never Leave me delivers nothing in terms of a story, climax or emotions. It is just a collection of graphically detailed sex orgies totally aimed at a hormonal teenage readership. There is no mature content and many surprise developments actually makes one wonder about the tautness of the plot. In-fact this is one of Robbin’s last book with his publisher Knoft who let him go inspite of his zooming popularity. It is another tale that Robbins made a killing with Simon & Schuster, but it was his banal sex descriptions which disgusted Knof. So Never Leave me can never be said a literary benchmark on which you should base your reading habits.

A Stone for Danny Fisher (published in 1952) - The story of a fighter during the Great Depression

Harold Robins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated into 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.
A Stone For Danny Fisher is the most accomplished book from the the Harold Robins stable. Many may not consider the Robins books as literary masterpieces, but the saga of the young boxer from the Brooklyn slums comes close to it. Even the critics consider this book as one of the best read stories of the time.



Through the pages one can glimpse the trials and tribulations of a Jewish Boy, Danny Fisher, living in post war America. Danny lives through the hate, race violence and the occasional skirmish, to become the lead boxer of the school. His relations with his father suffers progressively and the money issues compound it. Sam Goetlib his coach is the closest to a benefactor Danny has and he even pays the money for his coaching.
As Danny climbs the rungs of the boxing ladder, his bouts actually earn him the money and worse he gets offered absurd amounts to fix his matches. He holds on to his games till the time his father actually implores him to bail him out of bankruptcy. Danny pockets the five thousand dollars and tries hard to throw the match which he ends up winning. Thus on the run and disgraced, he returns to the fringes of the society. Shunned by all he loves he embraces brutality, first passively looking on, and later embracing it. With this new found brotherhood of pugnaciousness he gets the money, maidens and all his heart desires. But soon the castle of cards crumbles, and Danny is left naked to the harsh glares of life. His true friends, his childhood sweetheart and erstwhile coach bail him out and his son. This help Danny to start a new life.
A stone for Danny Fisher does pull your heart strings and unlike other Harold Robbins books, there is no graphic content to take you away from the story. This book was made in to a movie, King Creole starring Elvis Presley. This book is a great way to steal away some time for yourself.

79 Park Avenue (published in 1955) - Authored by Harold Robbins

Harold Robins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery.
The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in to 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



79 Park Avenue is one of most depressing book one can ever encounter. Robbins usually has a high erotic content in his books, but the terrible sexual abuse the heroine Marja Fluujincki (and that's a real crazy name, even it is Polish) has to encounter is completely tasteless. Marja is a long legged, well endowed polish beauty who has a loveless childhood. She is molested and raped by all the men in her life and even by her stepfather. After being impregnated by her stepfather she is imprisoned and not allowed an abortion. She escapes and reaches the land of opportunities, New York and rises on the rungs as a model.
As one expects a respite in the abuse saga, she is again raped and then forced in to prostitution. From a teenage prostitute Marja goes on to be a highly paid call girl and ultimately a mob boss's mistress. But the house of cards come down as the mob man husband is bumped off. She becomes a mob mistress and as a top madam she is arrested for procurement, thus fate bringing her the first nice guy in her life, the prosecution attorney, Mike Keyes. So after a couple of encounters Marja is all set for her happily ever after.
Even after this happy ending this book leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. The graphic rape scenes actually just keeps the bile rising up. It is depressing and tiring on ones nerves. The kissing scenes and love makings scenes are actually a blink and go which is usually against the Robbins ethos. An highly improbable story, graphic disturbing sexual content and a diabolic characters leave a bad after taste. Not very recommended, and to think that Harold Robbins dedicated this to his wife makes it highly amusing.

The Carpetbaggers (published in 1961) - Written by Harold Robbins

Harold Robins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which were translated into 32 languages and are estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Carpetbaggers is an homage to the roaring twenties and the terrifying thirties. The characters of Jonas Cord, Rina Marlow, Jeannie Denton, Charles Sandhurst etc depict that fearlessness of the twenties where possibilities abound at your every step and is soon turned to dust by the next decade by war and depression. Carpetbaggers is a roman a clef which chronicles the life of Howard Hughes through the protagonist Jonas Cord. Jonas Cord is the son of a wealthy industrialist who accumulates wealth with his interests branching in to aviation and Hollywood. The entire novel is divided in to chapters bearing the character's names where in Jonas Cord gets 3 chapters followed by chapters chronicling Rina's and others bumping on to him.
Cord lives by his own definitions, builds and pilots airplanes, makes costly movies and has umpteen orgies with Hollywood starlets. Carpetbaggers is a teenage boys fantasy come true and has graphic sexual details. Apart from oral and homosexual encounters, the novel describes rape, abuse and other sexual encounters in detail which almost put you off. But the saga of Cord and others is spell binding as Robins describes their rise and fall. Rina Marlow, said to be based on Jean Harlow is described as a bisexual having encounters with Jonas, his father, brother and even a girl friend. This book may not be raising an eyebrow today, but was said to be a bold attempt in the 60's. The most disturbing characterization is that of Jennie Denton who has every possible horror perpetrated on her, that it makes one sick. But then one has to remember that the book is Robbins at his best. If one can forget the graphic sex, then the saga of a rich man and his cronies and mistresses hold your breath. A splendid book and its no wonder that this book is still one of the best sought after paperbacks. Best of Robbins and worth a read.

Mistborn: The Final Empire (published in 2008) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Mistborn: the final empire is the first book of the trilogy by Bryan Sanderson. Here he creates a new world ruled by the evil Lord Ruler and his feudal aristocrats and a new magic Allomancy. Allomancy is the capability to ingest metals and use them to acquire superhuman abilities. This is inherent in the Mistborn's who then can manipulate any metal to propel themselves or use it as a weapon. The chief protagonist in this book itself is the evil Lord Ruler. He was the long awaited boy liberator who turns to the shadow to become the worse oppressor of the land of Skaa.



The brutal and absolute regime has gripped them in fear for thousand years with volcanic ash covering the city devoid of blooming flowers. The populace is ground under the thumb of oppression with executions for minor infractions being a norm. Food has become a scarcity and the slaves of Skaa loose their health and will to live.
Into this conundrum enters Keisher the ultimate revolutionary and Robin-hood rolled in to one. He was brutalized by the ruling class and had witnessed the killing of his wife by Lord Ruler. Thrown into the mines, Keisher is famous for being the only one to escape from the hell holes of the Lord. He seeks redemption for his people and revenge for his wife. He commands a rag tag army of small time crooks who have the confidence to infiltrate the palace of Lord Ruler himself seeking the means to kill him.
Vin is a thief off the streets who roams with her brother. Keisher soon finds her using Allomancy against an important official of the Lord Ruler and is fascinated by her talent and confidence. He takes her under his wings to tutor her to control her power. He teaches her the nuances of misting and in a Pygmalion like role helps her to move in the society. Vin learns to behave among the royals and feudal roles and soon infiltrates their rank as a lady. She soon enters the palace and stumbles upon the journals of the boy who would become Lord ruler. Vin also questions Keisher's belief that all aristocrats are evil killers especially as she falls for the young nobleman Elend. Vin grows taking along Keisher with her, as she develops her abilities to bring about the change of guard.
Mistborn is one of the most amazing book written by Sanderson. The pacing, characters and the idea itself is the most captivating. Sanderson does not indulge in time tested magic tricks, instead develops new capabilities, like Allomancy. Who else can imagine such innovative magical capabilities? Sanderson takes the story of a messiah and turns in on its head, with the corruption of the savior itself. There is no dull moment in the book as the action explodes right from page one. This book is definitely a captivating read and the only problem is keeping one's hands off it.

The Ivory Tower (published in 1917) - A book by Henry James, posthumously published

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Ivory Tower is an unfinished novel by Henry james about the unbridled greed and heavy costs money brings to the lives of men. It is brooding tale of the gilded age plutocrats who amassed a large fortune at the cost of others and are at last dying with squabbles around them. Rosanna Gaw, daughter of a wealthy financier Abel Gaw persuades her fathers estranged and dying partner to extend a welcome to his nephew from Europe. She had caused a rift between Betterman and his nephew, Gray a long time ago and wants to rectify the wrongs.



Rosanna gives Gray as he arrives, a letter from her soon fading father which details the business dealings between him and Betterman and the cause of their feud. Gray refuses to read the letter and puts it in a miniature ivory tower replica for future reference. Another two characters, Haughty Vint and Celia Fox arrive on the scene with villainous intentions. Vint is friends with Gray and has saved his life in the Alps. Cissy Fox intends to marry Gray for his fortune in-spite of never setting her eyes on him. She and Vint are possibly lovers and they discuss the money inherited by Gray and Rosanna. Soon Gaw and Betterman die and Gray inherits a large fortune. He enlists an unscrupulous Vint to manage it and renews his acquaintance with Cissy much to the chagrin of Rosanna. But at this point the novel breaks off never to be finished. But extensive notes left by James suggest a possible betrayal by Vint who is then magnanimously forgiven by Gray. It also hints the realization of the blackness of this ill gotten wealth by Gray and his reunion with Rosanna.
In-spite of its incomplete nature this book was a great success among the public and the critics. It may be a little jaded for the 21st century with its criticism of capitalism and ill gotten wealth. It seems that for all his ravings against large amount of money, Henry James had received a large advance for this novel from Scribners, his publisher. Overall an interesting book with good characterization.

The Whole Family (published in 1908) - A collaborative novel, with one written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The old adage “too many cooks spoil the broth” is a very apt signature line for this novel, The Whole family. It is a collaborative effort by twelve authors and is the brain child of William Howell. It was carried out under the direction of Harper Bazaar editor, Elizabeth Jordan. Apart from Howell the only other novelist of repute who participated in this effort was Henry James. Howell wanted to write a great novel about the effect of an engagement and marriage on the lives of different members of the family. This light hearted venture became a interplay of emotions and relationships with a black sheep of the family.



Howell starts the novel with the Talbert family who own the family business “silver plate works” which churns out mundane household items. Talbert's college educated daughter, Peggy Talbert joins the family after finishing the education and is promptly engaged to a Harry Goward. Harry is a weak person and somewhat unsuited for Peggy.
After this, the next author Mary Freeman careens off the novel from the intended path by introducing a sexually aware aunt. Howell had intended the twelve authors to explore the effect of Peggy's engagement in twelve different members of the family. The aunt was supposed to be a benevolent old maid. But Freeman gave her a bohemian touch and the aunt was a colorful attractive minx to whom Peggy's intended would be attracted to. The aunt encourages this dalliance and whole hell breaks loose.
Then the subsequent authors had to contend with the aunts effect on Peggy and other members of the family. So the confusion is much evident as each author grapples with sexuality and relationships. At last the loose ends are tied up, the aunt is exiled to New York city and the fiancée is sent packing. Peggy finds a soul mate in the staid Professor Stillman Dane. They sail for Europe for their honeymoon along with Peggy's brother Charles and his wife Lorraine.
This broth is a disaster from the word go. The characters suffer as they are constrained by the layout given to the authors. The imagination of the writers never work here and this novel feels like a amateur effort. A tame insipid ending does not help the story at all. There is no excitement and verve a novel should offer. It is better you pass this hotchpotch.

The Sense of the Past (published in 1917) - A posthumous novel by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Sense of the Past is a sweet comedy where a young American travels across time to find his ancestors. This novel was published posthumously and was largely left unfinished by the author. A large break between time and errors in aligning the characters dent the image of this book. Ralph Penderel is a history buff and his treatise on how to read history when published suitably impresses a long lost relative. So Ralph is bequeathed a old London house by the relative after his death. Ralph travels to London to view the house which is now his. As he wanders across the rooms he fonds certain disturbances. This disturbances are the break in the time line and the house has the ability to transport anybody to another time zone.



Ralph meets his ancestor who has his own name and is vastly intrigued. He meets the US ambassador at the embassy to ask for help and returns to this house. But soon he is transported to the old 19th century England where his ancestors had lived. Henry James abandons this book at this stage and carried on with life. Towards his early seventies he revived this book to escape the horrors of World War I. But many feel that as a old man he did not have the energy and the technical prowess to tie the loose ends and start the novel from 1900. Instead the book makes a quantum leap to circa 1914 where Ralph is leading the life of his ancestors.
Ralph lives in 1914 england and is engaged to a woman called Molly Modmore. But he soon is attracted to her sister Nan who has a slimy suitor Cantopher Bland. As the name suggest Bland is as Bland can get and Nan soon gets entangled with Ralph. Ralph also has to contend with their fearsome brother and mother. Here the novel breaks off completely as James would be in his death bed. Extensive notes reveal that Nan gets to know that Ralph actually belongs to the 20th century and sacrifices her own happiness to return him to his own time-line. He reunites with his old flame Aurora Coyne and lives on.
This book even though unfinished held a special fascination for the readers and was well received. It was also made in to a play and would have had the approval of Henry james. A good book to enjoy.

The Other House (published in 1896) - By Henry James, the story of a murder

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The other house is a dark murder mystery by Henry james and a one of a the kind from his stable. James never wrote a dark tale again and none of his upright characters ever could commit murder. This tale of raw passion between three women and a man resulting in the death of a child is somewhat disturbing in its essence.
The tale starts with two houses separated by a river, one being East-Mead, presided by the matronly widow Mrs. Beever along with her slow witted son Paul, the other house is the Bounds where the newly wedded couple, Tony and Julia Bream live. Julia is often haunted by the abuse at the hands of her stepmother and dies while giving birth to her child. On her death bed she extracts a promise from Tony that he would never marry and give her daughter a stepmother. Tony in his grief promises and brings up Effie his daughter on his own.



Rose Armiage is Julia's childhood friend, who nurses a deep love for Tony. She views Effie an impediment for her goal as Tony is duty bound not to bring in a step mother. Tony loves Jean Martle a simple girl next door. She too returns his ardor and understand his predicament. Rose is engaged to Denis Vidal a energetic world traveler. She keeps Denis on tenterhooks, by not accepting or rejecting his proposals, trying to woo Tony for a commitment. Rose in love almost becomes deranged when she realizes the presence of Jean Martle in Tony's life and love turns into lunacy.
Rose drowns little Effie and tries to frame Jean for the act. But an alert doctor and couple of inquiries actually help others to zero in to the culprit. But here lies the agony and twist in the tale. Rose is sent away with Denis and everything is hushed up. Tony and Jean get to marry as the only obstacle in their way is removed by Rose.
This dark tale without a trace of justice for poor Effie is dreadful and scary. Rose's lunacy horrifies even the toughest of men and even Tony's sense of justice “Her doom will be to live” does not hold water. Sometimes the reader is forced to believe that Tony is relieved about the murder as no sense of attachment is shown towards the child. This book was also pillaged by the critics for tis lack of depth and lack of relationships. You can read it for once but there are better books written by Henry James.

The Wings of the Dove (published in 1902) - Story of an afflicted lady, written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Wings of the Dove is one of Henry James's most acclaimed novel, incorporating the the clash of American and European sensibilities woven through a love story. Kate Croy and Merton Densher are lovers whose union has many impediments. Kate is a daughter of an impoverished, disgraced lawyer who is living with an autocratic Aunt. Her Aunt Maud Lowder bars her from having any contact with her family and Densher as they have no social standing. Kate loves Densher, but cannot bring herself to earn her aunts wrath or worse getting disinherited from her riches. So in to this conundrum, a rich American Heiress, Milly Theale arrives with her companion. She explores the London society which totally toasts her because of her money and she finds a friend in Kate.



Milly is seriously ill, even though her doctor is non-committal she feels that her days are numbered and confides many of her secrets to Kate. Kate comes to know that Milly's old flame is none other than Densher and she formulates a audacious plan which may leave the two lovers free to marry after all. Kate conceals her love for Densher and encourages him to shower attentions on Milly. An unsuspecting Milly falls for the trap and for Densher. She travels to Venice with Densher and Kate in tow. Here Kate confides to Densher that Milly is seriously ill and he may inherit her fortune which can enable him to marry her.
Milly but comes to know about the love trap through her old suitor, Lord Mark and turns seriously ill. It is easy to make plans but requires mental toughness to go through it. Densher witnesses Milly's suffering and his resolve wavers and in the end it sickens him. The fact that Milly was in the know when she died cripples his conscience again. Milly still leaves a large part of her money for him and her act of forgiveness from the grave deals the ultimate blow for the well laid plans.
Densher tells Kate that she has to make a choice – it is the money or him. He is ready to bequeath all of it to Kate if she chooses the envelope over him. Kate and Densher part knowing that life would never be same for them again. This amazing story is a bit verbose and meandering, so it requires a bit of patience to keep at it. Better keep a dictionary by your side because there are a lot of tough words to decipher. But if you keep at it, you may be a part of something very beautiful and poignant. This soul stirring story is one of Henry James's best works.

The Golden Bowl (Published in 1904) - A complex story by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Golden bowl is a coming of age story of Maggie Verver who discards her childhood naiveté and assumes her marital responsibilities. She is the only child of Adam Verver, the wealthy financier and falls in love with an charismatic but impoverished Italian Prince Amerigo. Maggie's childhood friend Charlotte was the Prince's mistress during his early days in Rome. But Maggie unaware of this past connections introduces Charlotte and the Prince and deputes her to show the prince around. Charlotte and the Prince go shopping for a wedding present for Maggie. They see a gilded crystal bowl which Charlotte likes but the Prince declines it insisting on a secret flaw.



Maggie after her marriage is more concerned about her father's loneliness and asks him to propose to Charlotte. Charlotte and Adam get married and move with Maggie in Europe. Both the Prince and Charlotte feel left out between the Father and Daughter and soon start their own affair.
Maggie soon become suspicious about her husband and her suspicions are confirmed when she buys a gilded Crystal bowl. The shop keeper on visiting her house confirms the intimacy displayed in his shop by Charlotte and the Prince. Maggie takes stock of the situation calmly and proceeds to salvage her marriage with precision and tact. She persuades her father to move back to the states with Charlotte. Amerigo is impressed by her confidence and diplomacy, and he falls in love with her all over again. Maggie takes the threads of her life in her own hands and grows up from a daddy's girl to a responsible wife and adult.
The Golden Bowl focuses on the four characters and all others pale themselves in to obscurity. Henry James language and prose have their own separate signature style. The story is a very strong one about relationships and each incident is dissected and presented before the reader. No incident is insignificant in his style of writing. There is a heavy dose of symbolism which is a clear departure from his other novels. The golden bowl which ultimately breaks is taken from the biblical passage from the book of ecclesiastics 12:6, “the golden bowl be broken, then shall the dust return to the earth as it was". The dramatization stresses the need for the tactful resolution of marital problems which would go a long way in cementing a relationship.
Good book to read.

What Maisie Knew (published in 1897) - Written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
What Maisie Knew is an account of a child growing in a dysfunctional family. This novel was initially serialized in the the monthly called Chap book and later taken up by the New York Review. Henry James follows the travails of Maisie from childhood to adulthood totally abandoned by her biological parents.



Maisie is the daughter of Ida and Beale who are an estranged perpetually squabbling couple. After their divorce the judge decrees the custody of Maisie to be split and the poor child shuttles between the parents, six months a year. Both Ida and Beale use her for furthering their hurt and are hardly sensitive to her needs.
Both her parents marry, Ida to Claude, a bumbling simple man, and Beale, to Maisie's pretty governess. Maisie gets a new governess, the funny, klutzy but devoted Mrs. Wix. Ida and Beale settle down with their spouses and their extramarital affairs, Maisie is all the more neglected. Many a time her own parents abandon her in the most heartbreaking manner and the lonely Maisie becomes the responsibility of the bumbling Mr. Claude. As her parents alienate their new spouses, both Claude and Mrs. Beale start having an affair. Soon Maisie must make a choice to remain with her parents or with Claude. AS she is holidaying in France, Maisie realizes that Claude's marriage would also end up in a divorce as they do not have a firm standing on values. Maisie chooses her frumpy but devoted governess Mrs. Wix as her new guardian.
Henry James was never a father but he portrays the fear and tribulations of a dark childhood very earnestly. Through this book James lashes out against the growing erosion of values in family life and gives the ultimate sufferers in a broken marriage, the children, a voice. When this was published initially the critics were of mixed views. But this book is also relevant in our contemporary society where divorce and single parent homes are more common. This book gives the dos and dont's for child rearers and the need for bringing up a child in a balanced environment.

The Awkward Age (published in 1899) - Written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
This novel was published in the Harpers Weekly and is about the coming of age of a sweet unspoilt girl Nanda. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brookenham are parents of Harold and Nanda and are upwardly mobile and part of a decadent and corrupt social circle. Harold resembles his parents, but Nanda is sweet and knowledgeable. Mr. Longdon, a family friend of the Brookenham's, while attending one of the family functions is pleasantly surprised to see the grown up Nanda and her resemblance to her grandmother, a long lost love. He is but very critical about the hypocrisy and decadence developing around to spoil Nanda's innocence.



Mr. Vanderbank, an upcoming civil servant showers his attentions on Mrs. Brookenham and also notices Nanda. Mrs. Brookenham wants to have an affair with Vanderham but slowly Nanda grows on him. Nanda's mother wants her to marry Mitchy, a very rich but a naive guy from their social circle. Nanda persuades him to pursue Aggie, a step-niece of their friend, the Duchess.
Longdon, disturbed by the loss of values at the Brookenham household assures Vanderbank of a dowry if he agrees to marry Nanda. Vanderbank continuously hesitates in his proposal and Nanda sees her mother's attraction towards Vanderbank. Mitchy marries Aggie and Nanda rejects Vanderham. She realizes the values and stability in Longdon and agrees to stay with him as an adopted daughter.
Henry James while writing this novel was disturbed by the loss of values all around the English society. He derides the irresponsibility and immorality pervading everywhere. In the Brookenham household, all visitors and the host are never saints and have immorality, hypocrisy and deceit running through all their actions. Nanda rejects all of them for Longdon who epitomizes the old world charm of values.
This book is not the critics favorite, but still holds a charm of its own. It presents the effect of a disruptive forces on the mind of a growing child who ultimately craves stability. Nanda is more mature than her years and therefore can reject the society of party animals. But Henry James does not guarantee a happy ending and definitely does not say how her life would pan out with the influence of her parents. A real thinking family's book -definitely!!

The Reverberator (published in 1888) - A classic story by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City in to a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Reverberator is a comic love story in which James explores the public hunger for gossip. He explores the journalistic voyeurism akin to todays page 3, which is actually due to the indiscretions on the part of the public itself.



The Dossons are a nouveau rich family who are rising steadily in the society. In contrast are the Proberts who are American born, but cling to their old French roots for societal recognition. The Proberts are the snobbish aristocracy of the town who look down upon Dossons new money. The Dossons in Paris get acquainted with George Flack who writes for an American Gossip paper “The Reverberator” who introduces them to the finer points of Parisian life and art. Young Francie Dosson poses as a model for a painting and gets introduced to Gaston Probert and their whirlwind romance culminates in to an engagement.
Francie even though had turned down Flack's proposal, she remains friends with him. The Proberts are dismayed by the engagement but everything remains hunky dory on the surface. But the lull before the storm does not last long when Francie talks about the intimate going-on's within the Probert's circle. Flack promptly prints the juicy details in his newspaper and all hell breaks loose. The Proberts are sickened by the reports and even Gaston is horrified by Francie's indiscretion. But the Dossons and Francie are not very apologetic as they find nothing disturbing about the reports. They even find the publicity mildly amusing.
So does the scandal cause a wedge between Gaston and Francie? Well this may turn out to be a spoiler - Suzanne, Gaston's sister supports Francie in an unexpected turn of events and this urges Gaston too to put his weight behind her. After a little heart burn both Gaston and Francie do get married.
This book also chronicles James's pet subject about the clash of cultures, between the old world snobbery and new world indiscretions. This is one of the rare comedies written by Henry James and certainly deserves a look.

The Portrait of a Lady (published in 1881) - written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
"The portrait of a Lady" gives the insight in to the life of Isabelle who wants to live by her own destiny and is hampered by her choices in life. Isabelle Archer is a penniless orphan who is taken in by her aunt Lydia Touchett. Touchett's are the wealthy of the New York strata and consists of the patriarch Touchett, a rich banker, Lydia his wife and their tubercular son Ralph. Ralph is a good natured young fellow and intervenes with his dad to make a provision for Isabelle in his will. As Mr. Touchett dies Isabelle comes in to her inheritance and becomes a wealthy women. While in New York she gets two marriage proposals, one by Casper Goodwood and another from Lord Warburton. Isabelle rejects them both and leaves with her aunt to Europe to see the world.



She meets Madam Merle and is taken up by the womans free spirit and aspires to have her bohemian outlook. Merle introduces her to Gilbert Osmond and he floors Isabelle with his good tastes and behavior. Isabelle marries Osmond and becomes a mother to his daughter Pansy. But after the marriage, Isabelle comes to know the horrific truth that Osmond had married her for her money. She also comes to know that Madam Merle is in fact Pansy's mother and she and Osmond had schemed to entrap her in the marriage.
Isabelle learns that her cousin Ralph is on his death bed and plans to reach him. Osmond forbids her journey to the States. But after pondering over the repercussions, Isabelle travels to the states to be with Ralph till his dying day. She again encounters Casper Goodwood who propose to her again. But Isabelle's sense of responsibility makes her turn him down again, and she returns to Osmond and Pansy in Europe.
This novel also deals with James's pet themes of the clashes between the European and American sensibilities. This novels also details the challenges faces by young Isabelle, about personal freedom, sexuality and sense of responsibility. I feel a little impatient with Isabelle when she turns down personal happiness for a warped feeling of responsibility to a man who has wronged her. But this novel gives us the morals and values prevalent in that bygone era where responsibility was deemed over happiness. Some parts of the novel are a bit tedious and meanders a lot. But all together a wonderful book.

Daisy Miller (published in 1878) - A classic written by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Daisy Miller is a novella written by Henry James and presents the life of a pleasant coquette whose devil-may-care attitude may have been a shock to the strict Victorian society of the 18th century. This novel appeared in the Atlantic monthly in a serialized version and is treated as one of James's celebrated work.



Daisy Miller is a girl blooming to becoming a women and understanding men and the world. Her brother, Randolph Miller and herself move through Europe during their holidays. Randolph considers his hometown New York superior to others in all respects, but Daisy is eager for new experiences and immerses herself in the European culture. She meets the sophisticated Winterbourne who is taking a vacation from his studies.
Daisy like a spring flower is sprightly, attractive and lovely, and contrasts with Winterbourne's cold, dour reserve along with his class consciousness. His snobbish Aunt considers Daisy beneath her and forbids her acquaintance. Winterbourne considers Daisy's devil's may-care attitude outrageous and also disapproves of her flirtatiousness. But there is something about Daisy that Winterbourne cannot resist and he follows her to her final destination in Rome. They meet unexpectedly in Mrs. Walker's parlour. Daisy is totally unconcerned about local prejudices against American culture and becomes friends with everybody. Winterbourne understands her innocence and tries to extricate her from this predicament.
As their sojourn comes to an end Winterbourne sees Daisy with Giovanni at the Roman Colosseum. He warns her of the consequences of being a flirt, but Daisy does not care. But she soon contracts the “Roman Fever and dies shortly afterwards.
This book is full of symbolism about the culture clashes between the new order and the old world. Americans with their brashness and easy going nature perfectly contrast the class conscious monolithic European way of life. This war of the two worlds is epitomized in Daisy's attitude and Winterbourne's reserve. If you are a Henry James's fan Daisy Miller may soon pin you down with its multicolor canvas and people. Everybody stands out vividly in their mannerism and sense of values. For the uninitiated it is a bit tedious towards the middle, but still I would suggest you to keep at it as it is worth your while.

Washington Square (published in 1880) - Originally published as a short story by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City in to a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Washington Square is a tragi-comedy by Henry James which tells the relationships and conflicts between a father and his dutiful daughter. This short novel appeared as a monthly piece in the Corn-hill Magazine and Harper's New Monthly Magazine.
Dr. Austin Sloper is a widower who resents his plain daughter Catherine and still mourns the death of his wife and a brilliant son. He considers Catherine to be a dull and boring personality devoid of any personality. His house is maintained by his sister, widowed Lavinia Penniman who is a hardcore romanticist. She is a brash old thing who pokes her nose in to other's affairs.



Catherine meets Morris Townsend, a penniless gold digger who sweeps her off her feet. Townsend woos her and proposes marriage. Mrs. Penniman who loves romance and melodrama encourages and aides Townsend's actions. But Dr. Sloper sees through him and forbids Catherine to have any relationship with him. Townsend moves back to live with his sister and Sloper takes his daughter away.
Catherine, for all her waify ways has an iron will and she decides that she wouldn't not throw away her love on mere suspicion. She goes with her father on a twelve month grand tour of Europe. All through the journey Sloper mentions Townsend only twice signaling his contempt. His threat to disown Cathrine also does not have any effect on the girl.
On the final leg of the journey Slopper broaches the subject of Morris Townsend and Catherine firmly refuses to give him up. Her loyalty enrages him and he refers her derogatorily as a “pig fattened for slaughter”. This is the last straw for Catherine who has put up with his contemptuous behavior and she distances herself away from her father.
Upon her returns Catherine convinces Townsend about her loyalty and love, but he breaks off the relationship when he discovers that she has been cut off from Sloper's money. This breaks Catherine's heart which would never mend again. She rejects suitors and lovers as the injury despairs her soul. Dr. Sloper passes away with out leaving her all the money for the fear of Townsend making an appearance again. His suspicions are proved correct. Townsend indeed makes a return after a long time, smelling money. He tries to rekindle the relationship. But Catherine sees through his ploy and refuse to be led down the garden path again. At the end of the novel she picks up her life and resolves to live it as it unravels.
This novel was not very much liked by James and he had fought its inclusion in the New York Edition of his work. But it still proves one of Henry James's popular novels. Its breezy romance and the ever suffering heroine does evoke sympathy. It has all the ingredient of a tragic love story which brings a lump to your heart. Read it for its poignancy.

Roderick Hudson (first serialized in 1875) - Written and later revised by Henry James

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City in to a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Roderick Hudson is a novel where Henry James found his niche in literature. He wrote about the complexities of human relationships and the proclivities of American and European culture. Rowland Mallet is a wealthy man and an art connoisseur who sees the sculpture of Roderick Hudson and realizes that he is a gifted artist. He offers to fund his travel through Italy so as to improve his artistic talents. Mallet meets Roderick's Mother and Cousin Mary Hudson with whom he falls completely in love. As he is about to confess his feelings Roderick reveals to him that Mary has accepted hid proposal for marriage. Mallet suppresses his feelings and moves to Italy.



In Italy Roderick flourishes as an original talent but his bad behavior and tendency to gamble makes him a despised man. Mallet meanwhile dates an upcoming artist Augusta Blanchard to try and forget Mary. Roderick on the other hand finds a scintillating beauty Christina who is a gold digger. Roderick is swept off his feet and manages to win her approval to sculpt her bust. Soon his interactions with Christina increases and his infatuation drives him to insanity. Mallet tries to intervene for Mary's sake and informs him that Christina is engaged to a rich Neapolitan Prince. He also informs Christina about Mary and in-spite of his mental duress brings in Mrs. Hudson and Mary to try and save Roderick.
But Roderick's flip flop continues as he fails to complete his assignments. Christina has him in her snares and toys with his emotions. She even berates Mary at a party and Mary treats her as a fake. Rowland advises Christina to stay away from Roderick as she has married the Prince. In the meantime debts have mounted for Roderick who is unable to undertake any work. His mother and Mary ask him move back home, but Mallet asks them to move to Switzerland so that he can be close to Mary. Roderick in the mean time says that he is giving up on Mary and a chance meeting with Christina fans his desire. He begs money from mallet to join Christina in Interlaken in-spite of her married status.
Roderick dies in a storm on the way to Interlaken and a grief-stricken Mary and his Mother return home. Mallet too follows them and hope for a better day. A very complex novel and a a superb narration which makes you feel the emotions of the protagonist in your midst. A must read for all classic lovers.

Watch and Ward (published in 1878) - Written by Henry James (later disowned by him)

Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City to a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Watch and Ward is one of Henry James's first literary works and his amateur workmanship comes to the open. He started on this novel while traveling through Venice and Paris. This novel first appeared in the Atlantic journal as a monthly piece and was published as a novel later. It is a pretty weird tale for today's times the protagonist adopting a girl to be his wife in future.
Roger Lawrence is a wealthy man of means who goes to propose to Miss Miller and finds that she is engaged to another. He tells her that he would never marry if he cannot possess her. As he walks in this wretched frame of mind a gentleman begs him for hundred dollars and a taken aback Richard offers him ten dollars. This infuriates the man and Richard slips off pocketing the note.



Later in the hotel he finds that the same man has committed suicide leaving behind a waif of twelve years. Thus he takes in the pretty girl Nora who is about twelve to his care and entrusts her to Mrs Keith for the motherly care. Mrs Keith assures him that Nora will return as a jewel whom he wouldn't even recognize. Nora begins her education and becomes an accomplished lady in music, painting and all the crafts. Upon her return, Nora is seen as the perfect lady with great beauty and gifts. Roger falls in love with her completely but does not tell her. Nora on her part does not have feelings except that of a friend or sister.
Nora is soon courted by two men, a George Fenton who is a good-looking rascal without a penny to his name. He is looking at innovative ways to make a quick buck and tries to ensnare Nora for the hold she has on Roger. He shrewdly interprets Rogers feeling and also his money. Hubert Lawrence is Roger's cousin and is a intellectual minister and Nora is attracted to his so called intelligence. After a lot of adventure's with the above men Nora comes to realize that Roger too loves her. The whole idea initially repulses her and she flies to New York city to Fenton. Fenton treats her as a means to serve his ends to extort money from Roger. Nora comes to know his devious ways and flees to Hubert. There she sees Hubert engaged to Amy who assails her presence. A much chastened Nora flees and finds Roger looking for her. She discovers her love for him and they get married.
I have found the premise pretty weird and the relationship bizarre. Even the sexed up dialogues sounds very funny for this day and age. Even James did not think highly of his first novel and had disowned it.

Captains Courageous (published in 1897) - Written by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel laureate was born in India to a vivacious Alice Kipling and sculptor Painter, John Kipling. His works range from poems, to children's books. Rudyard was a English language writer whose prose is peppered with colloquial usage and languages mainly from India which opens a window to the prevailing culture and customs of the time. His children's stories are the most endured classics of the time and his short stories are the most sought after. Many of his works are deemed to be controversial as the time progressed. Rudyard Kipling was the product of an imperial India where imperialism under Queen Victoria was at its heights. His poems like White Mans burden are often sited as a clarion call for the imperialist and has been criticized by subsequent humanist. But as one of the youngest Nobel Prize recipient for English Language, the place for Kipling in human history cannot be discounted and his prose and poems enthuse millions even today. Kipling died in 1936 in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
This is one of my favorite childhood books which hold a fascination even today. This coming of age story of a rich millionaire brat has been rehashed in countless movies and novels, but nothing comes near Kipling's rendition.



Harvey Cheyene is a rich kid whose father is interested in his millions and mother who has a weak will and nerves. Harvey is a spoilt brat with no concerns for fellow men and is fully immersed in his way of life as a party animal, a la Paris Hilton. At the beginning of the story, Harvey is on a cruise, on one of his father's innumerable ships. The ocean liner is crossing the grand banks cutting through the thick of fog and Harvey's more concern is about the noise from the squawking fishing vessels near by. His disconnect with his surroundings is evident from his statement "You can hear the fish-boats squawking all around us. Wouldn't it be great if we ran one down!".
So the self centered Harvey is tricked in to smoking a oily Cigar and as he clears air on the deck, a grand wave washes him overboard. The next thing he remembers is waking up on a tone of fish with a broad back man on a blue jersey who introduces himself as Manuelo. Harvey is rescued by a schooner “We're Here of Gloucester” captained by Disko Troop. Troop's son Dan keeps vigil while Harvey sleeps of his fatigue. True to his spoilt nature, Harvey demands to be taken back to New York and tells them “what a rich boy he is” and the rich haul they can have from his father. Troop refuses to believe his yarn and offers him a job on the schooner in lieu of his keep. Thus Harvey begins his life as a fisherman, gutting the fish with others.
Kipling very gamely describes the back breaking work of a fishing trawler at sea for months. He through Harvey's lessons tells how fish is caught, gutted and stored for sale. Harvey along with Dan, Manuel, Penn, Long Jack, Old Salters, Tom Platt and Disko troop pitches, cuts and salts the fish and the millionaire boy has to get on with life. Soon he gets the hang of it and takes pride in his new life. Deep friendship is formed with Dan during their watches aboard the schooner and Harvey from a spoilt pale white boy turns to a clear eyed, strong level headed creature who respects even the smallest of boats.
When Mom and Dad catch up with him, they are surprised by the transformation and Harvey has a heart to heart talk with his Dad. Harvey leaves with a promise of getting Dan a place as mate in his shipping company and a promise to live life with respect. Respect is what Harvey learns aboard the humble schooner and the reader sees that in his parting words “Great ships these of my father's? Oh yes," But back in Gloucester are the able little vessels. The We're Here, she's one. I owe a heap to her-to her and her crew."
And we owe Kipling our gratitude for a swell tale of a boy who turns out to be the best of men.