The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 by Henry James

The Portrait of a Lady is the story of a beautiful, strong-willed young American woman, Isabel Archer, who upon her father’s death is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt Mrs. Touchett. it is assumed that Isabela will soon marry, but instead the penniless girl inherits a large amount of money and chooses to enjoy her freedom. She turns down two eligible suitors but eventually gets drawn to Gilbert Osmond. Osmond is cultured, charming and a fortune hunter and sees Isabella as a trophy to be coveted. Would Isabella leave Osmond on realizing his decadence or would she succumb to her destiny.