The Sense of the Past

The Sense of the Past is one of Henry James’s most intriguing and enigmatic works, blending psychological realism with elements of the uncanny. When Ralph Pendrel inherits an old London house, he becomes increasingly absorbed by its history—until the boundary between past and present begins to dissolve.

Through this unfinished yet haunting narrative, James explores memory, identity, and the seductive power of history. The Sense of the Past invites readers into a world where time folds in on itself, and self-discovery takes place across centuries.