The Altar of the Dead by Henry James is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novella that explores themes of grief, memory, and the power of remembrance. The story follows the protagonist, George Stransom, as he creates a personal shrine in honor of his deceased loved ones, each represented by a candle on his altar.

James' writing is elegant and nuanced, delving into the complexities of mourning and the lengths to which individuals will go to hold onto the memory of those they have lost. Through Stransom's interactions with other characters who have their own altars of the dead, James explores the different ways people cope with loss and find solace in remembrance.

The novella is a haunting meditation on the nature of love and loss, and the ways in which we construct our own rituals and symbols to honor those we have loved and lost. James' prose is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into a world that is both melancholy and deeply moving.

Overall, The Altar of the Dead is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant work that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have finished it. It is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the ways in which we strive to keep the memory of our loved ones alive.

Book Description:
A fable of literally life and death significance, the story explores how the protagonist tries to keep the remembrance of his dead friends, to save them from being forgotten entirely in the rush of everyday events. He meets a woman who shares his ideals, only to find that the past places what seems to be an impassable barrier between them. Although James was not religious in any conventional sense, the story shows a deep spirituality in its treatment of mortality and the transcendent power of unselfish love.