One gets the feeling that this is one of James' more neglected novels from his early-mid career, aptly called a "hidden gem." The story deals with revolutionary politics and social inequality, specifically focusing on young upstarts who must decide whether to become "radicals" or "sell-outs" - but of course, this being Henry James, there is a large share of upper-class banter and intrigue thrown in for good measure. The "patrician" dilettantes that James allows to rub elbows with his "plebeian" malcontents are misfits - uncomfortable with their privileged station in life, drawn to the "romance of poverty" in the same way that the ambitious plebs are preoccupied with (or else completely smitten by) the "embarassment of riches." And here James really shines as a creator of three dimensional characters: Hyacinth Robinson, Millicent Henning, Paul and Rosy Muniment, Lady Aurora, Captain Sholto. Rosy, Millie, Lady Aurora and the Princess are perhaps the most scene-stealing simply because they so vividly drawn, each shocking in her own way.
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