I didn't have any ideas about Henry James in the world of literature, nor had I ever read one of his books. In fact, it is my habit not to read a book beyond my knowledge; I want to read authors' books first. Nevertheless, while reading THE MASTER, Colm Toibin's exceptional skills fix my mind on the ways he wrote every word, phrase, sentence,which is so smooth and palpable. Had the book been written mediocrely,I would put it back on my shelf, lining up with the other books that have been collecting dust for years. This is one of the books, I think, students must read if they want to improve their writing skills, applying the ART OF STYLING SENTENCES by Ann Longknfe and K.D. Sullivan. 
 Another reason that you might lose your interest in continuing to read this book is the good deal of literary figures namedropped- if you are not familiar with them- such as Oliver Wendell Holmes, ( I just knew this former Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court from Senator Miriam Santiago.), Oscar Wilde, Constance Fenimore Woolson, George Eliot whose novels I read last year, Nathaniel Hawthorne, even Lord Tennyson. In fact, I am confused if Jeff Davis and Colonel Shaw have something to do with the characters of E. L. Doctorow in his novel THE MARCH! Wow! It may be a good indication that I have almost read a lot. ^^ 
 I gave this book 5 stars, not only because of Colm Toibin's remarkable skills in how he did to put all the information about Henry James he gleaned from his long extensive research into such a tour de force , but also of the fact that I am subjective since Colm Toibin is openly gay while Henry James was said to be so. 
 I hope I read all his other books. ^^