Daisy Miller

For our August pick we chose "Daisy Miller" by Henry James. It is a very short story, about 50 pages or so and tells the story of an American young woman visiting Europe as seen through the eyes of an American man who has lived in Europe for many years.  The man, Winterbourne, is charmed by her and surprised at the variety of contrasts in her behavior and nature to what he is accustomed to in Europe.

She is a flirt and very outspoken, while beautiful and wealthy she is clearly looked down upon by European society. The entire story seems to be the author painting a picture of a scene from a little slice of history, contrasting the European culture with the Americans, perhaps Title verses New Money, so to speak. The story ends as many Henry James' novels do, not particularly 'happily ever after' but you are still left with a picture of what a particular family, relationship and person may have been like burned into your mind.

It reflects an interesting commentary on the lax parenting skills of Daisy's mother verses the uptight and strict adherence to cultural mores held by Winterbourne's aunt. We had a lively discussion on whether or not it was just a straightforward little slice of life or 'painting' if you will, or if it had a deeper more seductive meaning in between the lines. We never really could figure out if literature professors were right or if our natural understanding of the story was correct.

The book was the perfect way to end a summer, no pressure for a big, deep and dark novel but full of enough to discuss to feel worth the effort. All in all we enjoyed a beautiful evening, great discussion, spending time with friends and brownies and ice cream. What could be better?

-Merilee

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”
― Henry James