The Altar of the Dead by Henry James

Recently, a friend recommended Henry James’ short story, ‘The Altar of the Dead.’ Once I began, I was riveted. James knows his way around the tunnels and labyrinths of the human psyche. And his skill at translating these insights into the written word is stunning. In under 50 pages, he illuminates the raw and complicated emotions dwelling inside his characters.

Written in 1895, the story opens in London. The mood is melancholy, the setting dark and the protagonist’s character pensive. George Stransom’s wife-to-be Mary had died many Decembers past. Their wedding day never happened. George is haunted by her loss and the fervent desire to keep her alive in his memory. In a moment of inspiration, George conceives of an altar lighted with perpetual candles for Mary and his other friends who have passed. As a balm for his soul, he assigns an altar candle to each friend who had died. “He had perhaps not had more losses than most men, but he had counted his losses more; he hadn’t seen death more closely but had in a manner felt it more deeply. This suited his inclination, it satisfied his spirit, it gave employment to his piety.”

One day, he notices the presence of a woman at his altar who appears to be in mourning. They eventually speak and their intricate story unfolds. The story’s suspense derives more from the internal turmoil experienced by George and this woman more than any external event.

Though this book is about the rituals of remembering the dead, this story reveals how people navigate the steep hills of forgiveness and redemption among the living. “The Altar of the Dead’ is writing at its best. 5/5