annewithabook 's review for:

The Europeans: A Sketch by Henry James

3.0

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This is very much a classic romance, and it’s been a long time since I’ve read a book such as this. It is light and positive, about loss and love and finding happiness in the changing society of 19th century America. It also discusses the social and cultural differences between America and Europe. The main character is arguably Eugenia Munster, who comes to America with her brother to escape her marriage to a prince. Both her brother and her experience romance and love, but I loved how it is the communication between characters that is foremost in this book. The story is filled with polite social niceties, like how people behaved in polite society of the era. In that way, this book feels more like an ideal that simple reality.

Full review on my blog: https://madamewriterblog.com/2020/08/05/book-review-the-europeans-by-henry-james/