The novel revolves around the lives of a group of American expatriates living in Paris. The story centers on Mrs. Adela Bowen and her daughter Mabel, who are struggling to maintain their social status after being ostracized by high society due to a scandal involving Mabel's past. Mabel becomes involved with a young man named Paul Onderstadt, who is part of the group living at Pension Beaurepas, a boarding house for Americans. Through her relationship with Paul, Mabel seeks to redeem herself and regain acceptance from the community. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bowen's own past is slowly revealed, exposing secrets about her marriage and her relationships with others. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of expatriate life in Paris during the late 19th century.
By Henry James · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 10 chapters