Catherine Sloper is plain, not terribly intelligent, not accomplished in social graces. She does have a significant income and an overprotective father. Set in mid-19th-century New York City, the focus of this entire novel is money – how it is used and what it means. James also explores social class, family structure, filial obedience, parental responsibility, and strength of character. Honestly, I don’t know why I waited so long to read a Henry James novel. This is a very approachable story. I was engaged and interested from the beginning.