The story begins in December 1915, with dying author Henry James surrounded by his relatives and servants. Then it loops back to the 1880s, to chart the course of Henry's "middle years," focusing particularly on his friendship with genial Punch artist and illustrator George Du Maurier. By the end of the decade Henry is seriously worried by the failure of his books to "sell," and decides to try and achieve fame and fortune as a playwright. At the same time, Du Maurier, whose sight is failing, diversifies into writing novels. The consequences for both men are surprising, ironic, comic, and tragic.
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