The American
*The American* is authored by Henry James. This novel follows the journey of Christopher Newman, an American businessman traveling through Europe, as he attempts to assimilate into European high society. His romantic entanglement with Claire de Bellegarde, a French aristocrat, forms the central narrative. The story delves into themes of cultural clash, personal values, and societal norms.
About This Ebook
*The American* is a seminal work that explores the cultural divide between 19th-century America and Europe. Christopher Newman, a wealthy and self-assured American entrepreneur, embarks on a tour of Europe where he meets Claire de Bellegarde, a noblewoman burdened by her family’s history. Despite their mutual attraction, their relationship faces insurmountable obstacles due to familial disapproval and societal constraints. Through Newman’s experiences, Henry James critiques the rigidity of European aristocracy and contrasts it with the straightforwardness of American ideals. More than just a love story, this novel paints a vivid picture of cross-cultural interaction and its complexities.