biblioturtle 's review for:

Daisy Miller by Henry James

4.0

funny informative mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I know that this book is supposed to draw out the nuances of societal expectations, however ridiculous they may seem. And why do these expectations fall largely on women? Furthermore, why do other women perpetuate them? Only someone back in this time period would know, I guess. I get that Henry James was calling these out and examining them, especially the differences between European and American expectations. For me, this book called to light loud and clear that the American woman was not going to abide my these arcane rules, but instead live life how she wished. I was not at all happy with the ending though. Really James? You truly did Daisy Miller a wrong turn here, and it felt as if she was wrongly punished for wanting to enjoy her life sans these expectations.