Madame De Mauves

I found an easy end in the novel. I would have liked a different solution not passing through Count's character action.

I have read only one thing by Henry James before - "The Turn of the Screw," and that was many years ago, so I was intrigued to read this novella, first published in 1874. Longmore is a young American man, who is introduced to Madame de Mauves, wife of the Comte Richard de Mauves, by joint acquaintance, Mrs Draper. Mrs Draper suggests that Mr Longmore console the beautiful Madame de Mauves, who she feels is terribly unhappy. Having had romantic ideals about marrying a nobleman, encouraged by a spiteful school 'friend,' and, now sister in law, Madame Clarin, she is repenting her youthful dreams in leisure. For her husband is, frankly, a wastrel. However, this is 1874 and disastrous marriages are not easy things for women to extricate themselves. As he womanises, spends her money and neglects his wife, both husband, and sister in law, conspire to encourage Longmore's increasing passion for Madame de Mauves. This novella has many themes. Marriage, European, as opposed to American, sensibilities, whether marriage should involve love - whether marital love continues, forgiveness, stoicism, betrayal and more. I found it fascinating and loved the ending. Certainly I want to read more Henry James and I am pleased I was encouraged by members of my book group to give this a try.