*The Jolly Corner* by Henry James is a haunting and introspective novella that explores the complex themes of identity, regret, and the haunting nature of unrealized potential. The story follows Spencer Brydon, an American expatriate who returns to New York City after more than three decades abroad. As he reacquaints himself with the rapidly changing city, he becomes fixated on his childhood home—the "jolly corner"—where he begins to sense a mysterious and ghostly presence.
Brydon’s growing obsession with the house leads him to confront the unsettling possibility that the specter haunting the jolly corner is the embodiment of the life he might have led had he chosen to stay in America rather than pursue a life of leisure in Europe. James skillfully weaves psychological depth and gothic tension, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, as Brydon's confrontation with his alternate self leads to a moment of profound self-reckoning.
Henry James (1843–1916) was an American-British author known for his psychological depth and exploration of social and moral complexities. His works often focus on the tension between European and American cultures, the inner lives of his characters, and the ambiguous nature of perception and reality. James's major works include The Portrait of a Lady, The Turn of the Screw, and The Wings of the Dove. His literary style, marked by complex sentences and deep psychological insight, has influenced generations of writers and remains a cornerstone of classic American literature.