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36 pages 1 hour read

Daisy Miller

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1878

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Book Brief

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Henry James

Daisy Miller

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1878
Book Details
Pages

164

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1870s

Publication Year

1878

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

850

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Super Short Summary

In Daisy Miller, Henry James portrays the cultural clash between Americans abroad and European societal norms through the experiences of Daisy, a young American woman whose unconventional behavior causes friction with judgmental compatriots. Daisy forms a bond with Frederick Winterbourne, who is both intrigued and puzzled by her actions, as he struggles to understand whether she is deliberately defying social conventions or is simply unaware of them.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Romantic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.7

37,132 ratings

45%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Henry James’s Daisy Miller elicits diverse reactions. Critics praise its nuanced exploration of social norms and character depth, highlighting James's masterful prose. However, some find the pacing slow and the protagonist's naiveté frustrating. Nevertheless, the novella's incisive cultural commentary makes it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Daisy Miller?

A reader who appreciates Daisy Miller by Henry James is likely to enjoy nuanced character studies and themes of cultural clash and societal expectations. Similar to those who favor works like Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence or Jane Austen's Emma, they would relish this novella's exploration of 19th-century social mores and individualism.

3.7

37,132 ratings

45%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Character List

Frederick Winterbourne

A young American man who has spent substantial time in Europe, allowing him to navigate its social intricacies with ease. He struggles to understand Daisy Miller's behavior based on European social conventions.

A vivacious young American woman traveling in Europe with her family, known for her beauty and her enjoyment of social gatherings. Her actions often challenge the expectations of European society.

An unnamed observer who tells the story from Frederick Winterbourne's perspective while providing additional insights into his character. This narrative style leaves some character details ambiguous.

Frederick Winterbourne’s wealthy and socially conservative aunt, residing in Europe. She is critical of Daisy Miller's behavior and upholds traditional social standards.

A well-off American living in Rome, known for her strict adherence to social propriety. She initially welcomes Daisy but later disapproves of her conduct in public settings.

Daisy Miller's mother, who is perceived as uninterested in social norms and often defers to Daisy's wishes. She becomes a subject of social scrutiny due to her perceived lack of concern for her daughter's reputation.

Book Details
Pages

164

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1870s

Publication Year

1878

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

850

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