Daisy Miller

by Henry James
Daisy Miller cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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  • ID: 5294
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141441344
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2007-06-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Daisy Miller, a spirited American young woman, finds herself at odds with the rigid European social codes of the early 20th century. Her unconventional behavior and daring spirit captivate and scandalize those around her, leading to a complex web of intrigue and misunderstanding. Set against the backdrop of European high society, this novella explores themes of innocence, societal expectations, and the clash between old-world traditions and new-world freedom. Henry James's masterful storytelling brings Daisy's character to life, making her a memorable and controversial figure in literary history.

Reviews
Books and Blues · 2022-03-20
engaging 4.00

The story is engaging and the ending, though unexpected, fits well. It explores themes of societal expectations and personal freedom.

The reviewer found the story to be quite interesting and engaging, with a plot that unfolds in a way that keeps the reader hooked. The ending, though not what they initially expected, felt fitting and added depth to the narrative. They appreciated how the story delves into the societal expectations of the time and the personal freedoms that Daisy Miller seeks. The characters, particularly Daisy, are portrayed with complexity, making the story more than just a simple tale of a young American girl in Europe. The themes explored are timeless and relevant, adding layers to the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Daisy Miller is an interesting story. I didn't exactly expect it to end the way it does, but it fits the story in a way.

    It talks about a lot of things that are relevant even today, like the societal expectations and the personal freedoms.

    The characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

Beauty is a Sleeping Cat · 2020-06-08
elegant 4.50

The writing is fluid and elegant, and the story is engaging. Winterbourne's character adds an interesting dynamic to the narrative.

The reviewer was impressed by the fluid and elegant writing style of Henry James, which never feels clunky or overcomplicated. The story is engaging, and the character of Winterbourne adds a unique dynamic to the narrative. The reviewer appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, particularly Daisy Miller, who is portrayed as both free-spirited and naive. The story's setting in Europe provides a rich backdrop for the exploration of cultural differences and societal norms. The reviewer found the story to be a compelling read, with a narrative that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    The writing is fluid and elegant, never clunky, never overcomplicated.

    And the story is engaging too. Winterbourne is a young American who lives in Geneva.

    The story is engaging, and the character of Winterbourne adds a unique dynamic to the narrative.

The Independent · John Burnside · 2014-02-06
intriguing 3.75

The book may not be a major work, but it served as a gateway to the world of Henry James. The story is intriguing and thought-provoking.

John Burnside, the reviewer, acknowledges that 'Daisy Miller' may not be one of Henry James's major works, but it was his first encounter with the author's writing. He found the story intriguing and thought-provoking, with a narrative that captivated him from the start. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the exploration of themes such as cultural differences and societal expectations. The story's brevity does not detract from its impact, and it left a lasting impression on the reviewer. He sees it as a gateway to the broader world of Henry James's works, which he has continued to explore with great interest.

Quick quotes

    Daisy Miller may not be a major work, but as my first encounter with Henry James, it became the gateway to a world that has fascinated me ever since.

    The story is intriguing and thought-provoking, with a narrative that captivated me from the start.

    The depth of the characters and the exploration of themes such as cultural differences and societal expectations make it a compelling read.

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