Every new experience is a form of judgement.
Cynthia Ozick – Foreign Bodies
Judgement from Experience
J
“Foreign Bodies” by Cynthia Ozick is a compelling novel that reimagines Henry James’s classic work, “The Ambassadors,” through a contemporary lens. Set in the 1950s, the story revolves around Bea Nightingale, a middle-aged schoolteacher in New York who is tasked with traveling to Paris to bring her estranged nephew, Julian, back to America at the request of his wealthy father. As Bea navigates the unfamiliar social and cultural landscape of post-World War II Europe, she grapples with her own feelings of displacement and the complexities of family loyalty. Through Bea’s encounters with Julian’s bohemian circle and her reflections on her own choices in life, Ozick explores themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of past decisions. The novel is a poignant exploration of generational divides and the quest for connection amidst the turbulence of mid-20th century Europe and America.