Alice James

Finished January 14

Alice James: A Biography by Jean Strouse

I bought this book from the publisher a few years ago, started it, then got distracted by other things so just picked it up again. 

Alice James is the middle child and only girl in her family, and the younger sister of famous American novelist Henry James. Her other older brother, William wrote works on philosophy and psychology and both were close to her in different ways. Her father, Henry James Sr. was a doting father, but discouraged women's academic and political endeavours. The family moved between Europe and New York City when she was a young child, eventually settling in Cambridge when her older brothers were in high school. 

Emily made friends with the women in her community, and participated in some social get-togethers, particularly in work for the U.S. Civil War. As she came into her adulthood she struggled with nervous disorders, and was limited in her aspects by her father's expectations as well as social convention. 

She was a good writer herself, observant of human behaviour and of her surroundings. 

After her parents' deaths, she spent some time in the country and eventually moved to England to be near Henry, as well as near physicians that she hoped would provide a solution to her ongoing health issues. With her during her final years was her close friend Katherine Loring who was entrusted with her diary, and later made copies for her brothers. 

This is an interesting book, shining light on a woman I wasn't aware of before. Alice was an intelligent and well-read woman, who was constrained by the time she lived in. At times her health seems related to her feelings about herself and her place in the world, but ultimately it revealed itself as genuine physical maladies. I found it interesting to see her brothers' reactions to her diary after getting copies as well as how they interacted with her throughout her life. An interesting read.