A London Life • Henry James

After the 100th anniversary of Henry James’s death on February 28, I found myself coming across his works again and again — and his novella A London Life practically demanded to be read. By now, I’ve read several of his books and have already reviewed The Ambassadors. His style is unmistakable, so I was eager to explore this new edition from Aufbau Verlag — a publisher I hadn’t really had on my radar until now.

This short novella spans only 133 pages, making it a quick read — ideal for anyone who wants a taste of Henry James without diving straight into one of his heavyweight works like The Ambassadors. The plot is easily summarized: Mrs. Headway, a wealthy American woman, wishes to be accepted into high society and travels to the refined old world to do so. However, her past is not entirely spotless, so she depends on the endorsement of her fellow Americans. Yet, though the spirited Mrs. Headway does not exactly encounter open doors, she is far from defeated.

Henry James has a uniquely distinctive style and an individual way of constructing and advancing his narratives. With clarity and precision, he names things openly, hides nothing from the reader, and gradually builds his characters and their relationships to one another. The reader gets to know each figure intimately, learning their ways of thinking and acting, without James ever beating around the bush or being overly sparing with words. Although his books never quite captivate me emotionally — I rarely feel deeply connected to his characters — they always offer a steady form of engagement. His dialogues are what make his stories so worthwhile, weaving a web of human interactions that feels consistently authentic.

The subject of this novella was inspired by Dumas fils, who explored a similar theme in his comedy Le Demi-Monde. However, James didn’t simply borrow the story; he adapted it to his own context. His focus lies on the contrasting perspectives of American and English society — a topic that also plays a major role in The Ambassadors. Having lived and studied in New York, London, Paris, and Geneva, James — though born American — was intimately familiar with cultural differences. His sensitivity to these distinctions shines through in this novella as well. It becomes clear again and again how differently English and American aristocracy operate, and how distinct their standards of judgment are.

Within this framework, just as in Le Demi-Monde, the moral dilemma of a “fallen” woman and her social acceptance takes center stage. Yet unlike the French authors, who tended to thunder their moral message through the narrative, James refrains from moralizing. He neither raises a warning finger nor rides the high horse of righteousness. The question of morality lingers subtly in the background, while the focus remains on the characters themselves and their reactions. James handles this deftly by avoiding a single dominant protagonist, instead presenting multiple characters — each with their own thoughts and actions. Reflecting on the story afterward, one can’t help but ponder the moral sensibilities of English and American society at the time. In this respect, I found the book highly engaging, leaving ample room to contemplate the motivations and conduct of its figures.

Appended to the novella is an essay by Henry James titled Occasional Paris, which examines the cultural contrasts between English and French society. It reveals just how deeply James was occupied with such questions, making it a fitting companion piece for this little volume. Also excellent is the afterword by Alexander Pechmann, who once again connects the story to James’s life with great insight and clarity, making for an informative and fascinating read.

Visually, this little book is a delight. Compact and handy, yet with its rich yellow linen binding, dark green endpapers, and matching yellow ribbon marker, it exudes elegance and refinement. Judged solely by the cover image, it might seem plain — but once you hold it in your hands or see it photographed, it’s clear that the publisher approached it with real care. For me, this is reason enough to keep an eye on Aufbau Verlag; I hope they continue producing such beautifully designed reissues of classic literature.

Conclusion: With A London Life, Henry James presents a fine novella that is quintessentially his — offering an excellent introduction to his writing style and his deft use of dialogue. He draws readers into a small social circle of characters, reflecting their thoughts and actions while embedding them in a cultural context that sheds light on the mentality of 19th-century English and American aristocracy. Without wielding a moral club, he leaves room for interpretation, giving the short tale unexpected depth. While I didn’t feel deeply emotionally connected to the characters — James always maintains a certain characteristic distance — the novella remains elegant and thoughtful. The book’s physical design is exquisite, and it will undoubtedly hold a permanent place on my shelf.

Book information: A London Life • Henry James • Aufbau Verlag • 176 pages • ISBN 9783351036348