The Wings of the Dove by Henry James follows Kate Croy, who orchestrates a scheme to balance her love for a poor journalist, Merton Densher, with her ambition to ascend London's social ranks by manipulating a wealthy but ill American heiress, Milly Theale, into a relationship with Merton, hoping he will inherit Milly's fortune after her death, thus resolving their social and financial obstacles. This book includes themes related to illness.

Reviews for Henry James' The Wings of the Dove highlight the author's masterful prose and rich character development. Critics praise the intricate narrative structure and the psychological depth of the characters. However, some find the dense and elaborate writing style challenging and at times, slow-paced. Overall, it is a complex yet rewarding read for patient readers.

A reader who enjoys The Wings of the Dove by Henry James likely appreciates intricate character studies and ethical dilemmas. They would be drawn to novels like Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence and E. M. Forster's Howards End, which similarly explore social mores and emotional complexity within elite settings.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Romantic / Contemplative / Emotional

- Henry James wrote The Wings of the Dove during a period known as his "major phase," which is characterized by some of his most complex and polished works.
- The Wings of the Dove was first published in 1902 and has been adapted into various film versions, including a notable 1997 film directed by Iain Softley. 
- The novel explores themes of love, wealth, and betrayal against a backdrop of European society, drawing inspiration from James's own experiences living in Europe.

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