The Awkward Age

Originally serialised in Harpers Weekly between 1898 and 1899, subsequently published in book form, The Awkward Age deals with the social mores of English upper class life. The plot revolves around the young, attractive and intelligent Nanda, daughter of the Brookenhams, who has turned eighteen and entered that 'awkward age'. Her suitors include a young civil servant Vanderbank, who has little money behind him, and the rich but naïve Mitchy who may yet be in love with another. The novel is particularly heavy in dialogue and what narration it uses is loftily presented, away from the characters. By concentrating more on the dialogue, James allowed the plot to be presented from differing perspectives. Critics have noted similarities between this novel and the earlier, What Masie Knew, with Nanda as the more mature Maisie.