A wonderful book by Warner that showcases his love of nature. He shares his experiences that he enjoyed living close to nature for 19 weeks. The focal point is his garden where several famous people visited him including the American president Ulysses Simpson Grant. The book contains vibrant descriptions of flora and fauna as well as the author's views on life and other issues. Riveting!

In the backdrop of Paris and New England, the story unfolds and narrates the events that help Lambert Strether in self-discovery. With the aim of learning about the activities of Chad Newsome, he travels to Paris and unravels secrets that astound him. The novel subtly compares the different moral standards and conflicting ideas and emotions of the characters.