Daisy Miller

This short little novella was one I found languishing in my bookcase. It is not a list text, and according to the rules I needed to read a non-list text. This appealed to me at this time as it was short, and the Murakami on my bed-side table (which is on the list) was beckoning. So, Daisy Miller by Henry James it was.

This is an interesting little story about social mores and how women should behave in society. Daisy is an incorrigible flirt; an attractive little American let loose in various European cities. She seems harmless though, like she does not realise her actions could be misconstrued. In fact, I think this is why readers are so sympathetic towards Daisy.

The story starts in Switzerland where the somewhat serious Mr Winterbourne (possibly a symbolic name?) becoming enamoured with the eponymous girl (again, symbolic - daisies are a fresh and unsophisticated flower), who immediately suggests a trip to a nearby castle, even upon their short acquaintance. Later, when Winterbourne meets Daisy in Rome, he finds her the talk of the town due to her scandalous friendship with the handsome Mr Giovanelli - who appears to be a fortune hunter.

Daisy shrugs off any chidings of Winterbourne and various other members of high society who giveher the cold shoulder, essentially driving her further towards the carefree and charming Giovanelli.

Of course, a thoroughly modern girl like myself finds the double standard distasteful, but perhaps our Daisy's sympathetic portrayal is more feminist than not.

The ending is tragic and poignant and James wonderfully balances between Daisy's innocence and flirtatiousness. A likeable novel, and worth a read.