The Awkward Age

"The Awkward Age" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story seems to explore the complexities of social interactions and relationships in a changing society, particularly focusing on youthful innocence and the social expectations placed upon young women, with the character of Nanda Brookenham serving as a central figure. The opening of the novel presents a preface where the author reflects on the evolution of his writing process, indicating that the original inspiration for the work grew into something more elaborate than he initially anticipated. He shares insights into the thematic foundation of the book, which revolves around a critical social phenomenon: the transition of young women into society and the dynamics that come with it. The first chapter introduces the characters Vanderbank and Mr. Longdon, who engage in a conversation after a dinner party, highlighting their perspectives on London life and social propriety. Their interactions set the stage for exploring themes of friendship, expectations, and the inherent awkwardness of navigating social circles, suggesting that the work will delve into the subtleties of human connection amidst societal pressures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry James was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.