To Paradise

Washington Square by Henry James (1880)

James’s novel is set in New York City in the 1840s. The plot focuses on a wealthy doctor who tries to prevent his daughter from marrying the man she loves because he believes that her suitor only wants her for her money.

Specimen Days by Michael Cunningham (2005)

Cunningham’s novel consists of three distinct parts. All of the parts take place in New York City, although in different eras. Character names and themes reoccur across the three parts to create a sense of unity in the novel.