The Awkward Age
Awkward Age, The,novel by Henry James, published in 1899.
The story is concerned with the “awkward age” in the life of Nanda Brookenham, during the period just following her emergence from childhood segregation to the brilliant atmosphere of her mother's London salon. The girl and her mother are both in love with Vanderbank, a young government official, although Nanda is also fond of Mitchett, who wishes to marry her. Mrs. Brookenham's friend, the Duchess, wants Mitchett to marry her fragile, innocent niece Aggie, and the two older women wage a diplomatic battle over the match, using as weapons Mrs. Brookenham's relations with Vanderbank and the Duchess's liaison with Lord Petherton. Nanda, having learned of the world through such friends as the unhappily married Tishy Grendon, has a mind of her own during these maneuvers. Mr. Longdon, just reentering London society after 30 years' seclusion, sees in Nanda a resemblance to her grandmother,...
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