Alice James: A Biography

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!
Review: I first read this book in 1991 and am still haunted by some of the words and letters of Alice James. Jean Srouse's thorough research and great prose kept me reading. It was Alice, herself, however who really touched me. This book introduced me to a cast of interesting characters who are with me still.

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling!
Review: I first read this book in 1991 and am still haunted by some of the words and letters of Alice James. Jean Srouse's thorough research and great prose kept me reading. It was Alice, herself, however who really touched me. This book introduced me to a cast of interesting characters who are with me still.

Rating:
Summary: Worth reading; well written and interesting
Review: I'm fascinated by the women of this period and social sphere and what they made of their various situations, and found this to be a very informative and interesting account of James' life, as well as the childhood and life of her brothers. Although I came away as yet unconvinced of her "brilliance," I am inspired to pursue Alice further.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent biography of a fascinating lady
Review: It's interesting that Alice's disabling illness has always been considered as neurotic, perhaps even a sign of envy of her successful brothers. It's occurred to me that Alice may have been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, at that time an undiagnosed illness, as opposed to "brother envy". In any case, the book is beautifully written and is fascinating indeed.