theclassicmoviemuse Is there anything more tragic than a tragic romance?
Two people desperately longing to be together versus a seemingly insurmountable obstacle to their happily ever after.
It could be an illness, a villain, or even a class system vowing to keep the lovers apart, but in Portrait of Jennie it is the concept of time itself. And by the end of the tale, Nathan leaves his readers wondering if what they read was really a tragedy afterall.
Robert Nathan’s romantic ghost story has been immortalized by the 1948 film produced by David O. Selznick starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten, enchanting viewers with its memorable performances, entrancing mystery, and striking imagery.
If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you know I adore this unusual movie. So I knew I had to review the source material for the Summer Reading Challenge hosted by Raquel Stecher at Out of the Past.
How does the book hold up compared to this classic film you may ask?
Since I’ve already reviewed the film on my blog, I won’t be going into details about the masterful production. I can only recommend it wholeheartedly.
The book…well?
In all honesty, I have such mixed feelings. On one hand, I think it is a brilliant, beautiful piece that is the prototype for magical realism. On the other, I feel it is lacking an essential element to tie it all together.
The connection between Eben and Jennie.
It is as if Robert Nathan assumes we already know of and believe in the symbiosis of our main characters and doesn’t feel the need to expand on their friendship and eventual romance.
Now I suppose this can work because the fantastical elements warrant a degree of ambiguity and mystery, but I prefer the film’s approach which prioritizes the development of our characters and their blossoming relationship as an integral part of the story.
Closing Thoughts
Am I glad i read this? Yes!
Robert Nathan’s lyrical prose is absorbing in its depth and detail. He draws the reader into his atmospheric mood piece with profound questions and statements on art, life, love, death, and time.
I find Nathan to be an underrated author and would gladly read more of his work.
Now I know what to expect when I do.
“I’m thinking how beautiful the world is, Eben; and how it keeps on being beautiful – no matter what happens to us. The spring comes year after year, for us, or Egypt; the sun goes down in the same lovely sky; the birds sing…for us, or yesterday…or for tomorrow.
It was never made for anything but beauty, Eben – whether we lived now, or long ago.”
“Tomorrow,” I said. “But when is tomorrow, Jennie?”
“Does it matter?” she asked.
“It’s always. This was tomorrow – once. Promise me you’ll never forget.”
Robert Nathan, Portrait of Jennie
My wonderful friend Lee also read this book for the Summer Reading Challenge. Head on over to her YouTube channel for classic film goodness and more thoughts on Portrait of Jennie!
Lovely review there Muse, never knew Portrait of Jennie was based off of a novel, that is interesting. The ultimate romantic story: two people from different periods of time falling in love, and the uncertainty if that love can be permanent. Never saw the film in its entirety, but the little I did watch was impressive.
Thank you, Moviefanman! So kind of you to drop by. It really is a beautiful story. The ending is definitely worth seeing for the super cool special effects that you won’t soon forget. I believe there’s a copy of the film on YouTube if you’re interested. Have a great weekend!
I loved your opening paragraph.. as someone who loves to wallow in such movies. Apart from Atonement…
The bittersweetness of such movies is so indulging – kinda like a perfect mix of sweet and salty 😉 If you have a thing for time travel movies you will enjoy this one, it’s so well done. I’ve never seen Atonement, now you’ve got me curious!
Love to hear your thoughts on it. But read my reviews on it after you have read it..
Tragic romances (in novel form) aren’t usually my thing, but your review has me really intrigued. If I ever come across this book, I’ll definitely give it a go.
If you happen to stumble across it, I’d love to hear your thoughts, Ruth! The novella is an interesting mix of genres, kinda hard to pin down but ultimately fascinating.