The Beast in the Jungle

"The Beast in the Jungle" by Henry James is a gripping novella where we meet John Marcher, a man convinced he's destined for something extraordinary, maybe even terrible. When he reconnects with May Bartram, they form an unusual bond based on May’s understanding of John’s strange obsession. Their relationship grows as they navigate their shared history and the mystery of John's fate, a looming "Beast" that dictates their lives. Starting at a gathering, their conversations reveal a past filled with missed chances and unspoken feelings. She gets his anxieties like no one else, as they grapple with what life throws their way. It’s a story about love, destiny, and the tricky paths we walk with each other.