Summary
Henry James: The Wings of a Dove
Kate Croy has risen from the dirt and taint of poverty to a fairytale life of privilege, under the wing of her Aunt Maude. Beautiful and very ambitious, Kate is already in a romantic relationship with promising journalist Merton Densher, when they meet Millie Theale, an indescribably rich member of New York high society. When she learns that Millie is terminally ill and passionately in love with Densher, Kate comes up with a plan to provide her with permanent financial security. As the dying Millie retreats to the opulent splendor of a Venetian palace, becoming the fragile center of a circle of greedy bounty hunters, James weaves a compelling, bleak tale of doomed passion, betrayal, human adaptability and remorse.
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