50 pages 1 hour read

The Master

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004

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Book Brief

Colm Tóibín

The Master

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Life-Inspired Fiction

Irish Literature
Setting

Europe • 1890s

Theme
Sexual Identity

Literature

Loneliness
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Master by Colm Tóibín explores the life of Henry James, focusing on his personal struggles and experiences from 1895 to 1899. The novel portrays James as he navigates relationships, creativity, and his search for identity, offering insight into the emotional complexities that shaped his literary achievements.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Colm Tóibín's The Master offers a deeply introspective and poignant portrayal of Henry James, drawing praise for its elegant prose and nuanced character study. While many appreciate its detailed historical setting and emotional depth, some critique it for a slower pace and lack of dramatic action. Overall, it resonates with fans of literary and character-driven narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Master?

A reader who enjoys The Master by Colm Tóibín likely appreciates intricate character studies, historical fiction, and literary depth. Fans of The Hours by Michael Cunningham or Atonement by Ian McEwan will find similar themes of introspection and emotional complexity compelling.

Character List

The introspective narrator and protagonist, depicted as a fictionalized version of the author Henry James, who navigates complex personal and artistic challenges while seeking identity and belonging.

A friend of Henry's and a representative of the affluent social circles in which he moves, known for her active social life and occasional snobbery.

Henry's brother, portrayed as a decisive and ambitious figure with a strong sense of direction, who maintains a complex relationship with Henry throughout their lives.

Henry's younger sister, who struggles with mental illness and serves as an inspiration for some of Henry's fictional characters.

A mild-mannered former soldier working as a servant in Lady Wolseley's household, who shares an ambiguous attraction with Henry.

A flamboyant playwright and Henry's contemporary, providing a contrast to Henry's more reserved personality and artistic approach.

An old friend of Henry's, characterized by his adventurous spirit and discretion, who shares a complicated friendship with Henry.

Henry's lively and intelligent cousin, who serves as inspiration for one of his famous literary characters.

A close friend of Henry's and a fellow intellectual, known for her artistic inclinations and struggles with depression.

A young sculptor from Newport, Rhode Island, whom Henry befriends in Rome and feels a romantic attraction toward.

Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Life-Inspired Fiction

Irish Literature
Setting

Europe • 1890s

Theme
Sexual Identity

Literature

Loneliness
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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