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abarone121's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book! It was short and sweet and very poignant. I like the way that Henry James writes.
holtfan's review
4.0
Giving the book four stars may be a little generous, but the last story is what changed my mind. Daisy Miller and Other Stories consists of four of Henry James's "short" stories, Daisy Miller, Pandora, The Patagonia, and Four Meetings. Overall I found his dialouge great, his writing interesting, but his characters infuriating. He also doesn't appear to believe in happy endings, as all the girls seem to be disgraced or die.
His view of the females in general seems to be that they are petty, naive, frequently flirtacious, and don't care a fig about what others think. Or maybe that is just the type of girl he likes writing about.
Of course, taking it the other way, all the male protagonist seem like very confirmed bachlors without a romantic bone in their bodies xD
Anyway, I overall found Daisy Miller horribly dull. It took me forever to get into it, but the ending was good. (I know, morbid of me, but that is what made that story with it)
Pandora was interesting, the beginning amused and facinated me, and though I was initially upset by the ending (the fiance was 40!), I eventually came to appreciate it.
The Patagonia was...odd. But I liked it. Again, the morbid ending quite...did it. I'm not sure how. Maybe that is the master of James's writing.
Finally, Four Meetings which was probably my favorite. I liked the heroine. She wasn't like the other girls, who annoyed me excessively. Her dreams were quaint and beautiful, and her tragedy actually left me sad, instead of vaguely pleased. I wanted more about her. And really, I wanted her happy ending to come true (though I'd be satisfied with the large "countess" getting booted out of her house). I guess I was disapointed with the hero, though. I mean, I suppose he didn't know her. She was hardly an aquaintence, but he was so passive. That seems to be the general trend with this bachelor bunch.
Anyway, Daisy Miller which I expected to like the most, was actually my least favorite, but the others were various degrees of good! James is an interesting writer, and while he probably will never be a favorite, I'm glad I read this book and would probably read more by him.
His view of the females in general seems to be that they are petty, naive, frequently flirtacious, and don't care a fig about what others think. Or maybe that is just the type of girl he likes writing about.
Of course, taking it the other way, all the male protagonist seem like very confirmed bachlors without a romantic bone in their bodies xD
Anyway, I overall found Daisy Miller horribly dull. It took me forever to get into it, but the ending was good. (I know, morbid of me, but that is what made that story with it)
Pandora was interesting, the beginning amused and facinated me, and though I was initially upset by the ending (the fiance was 40!), I eventually came to appreciate it.
The Patagonia was...odd. But I liked it. Again, the morbid ending quite...did it. I'm not sure how. Maybe that is the master of James's writing.
Finally, Four Meetings which was probably my favorite. I liked the heroine. She wasn't like the other girls, who annoyed me excessively. Her dreams were quaint and beautiful, and her tragedy actually left me sad, instead of vaguely pleased. I wanted more about her. And really, I wanted her happy ending to come true (though I'd be satisfied with the large "countess" getting booted out of her house). I guess I was disapointed with the hero, though. I mean, I suppose he didn't know her. She was hardly an aquaintence, but he was so passive. That seems to be the general trend with this bachelor bunch.
Anyway, Daisy Miller which I expected to like the most, was actually my least favorite, but the others were various degrees of good! James is an interesting writer, and while he probably will never be a favorite, I'm glad I read this book and would probably read more by him.
clss97's review against another edition
4.0
'I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me, or to interfere with anything I do'
James has a way of writing that transports you from the greyest rainiest day to the most beautiful spot in Switzerland or Rome you could imagine. Dialogue that can drag you from the depths of despair to the highest pinnacle of sunshine, these short stories are the perfect way to begin a January full of melting snow.
James has a way of writing that transports you from the greyest rainiest day to the most beautiful spot in Switzerland or Rome you could imagine. Dialogue that can drag you from the depths of despair to the highest pinnacle of sunshine, these short stories are the perfect way to begin a January full of melting snow.
freakshow10's review against another edition
2.0
Far be it for me to criticize Henry James, but this wasn't for me.
acommonreader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There are four stories in this collection:
- Daisy Miller.
- Four Meetings. Among the four I like this one the least. Perhaps being in the 21st century it is too difficult to imagine a character so tragic. (3/5)
- Longstaff's Marriage. Very interesting turn of the event. (3.5/5)
- Benvolio. This reads like commentersaofaa silent movie while it is being played out. It took a while for me to get into the rhythm. But once it got started for me, it's quite interesting. Though it dragged out a little too long. (4/5)
piscesreader's review against another edition
4.0
Henry James has this flowery, lyrical prose that calls to me. It never exceeds its descriptiveness to be labeled tedious, nor is it never a story that doesn’t bring out some intrigue within you. This collection of seven short stories dives further into the society and social contrasts between Americans and Europeans.
Travelling Companions is a travel and art guide throughout Rome, Venice, and other sections of Italy that bring vivid artwork, gothic architecture, and beautiful scenery from Monte Rosa as “she stands, frozen and fixed, resting her head upon that mountain wall, looking over at this lovey southern world and yearning towards it forever it vain,” to Venice’s Adriatic view and it’s secret of being “the salt-sown garden of the city of the sea.”
It is a picturesque story and shows that falling in love with a city, it’s culture and art, allows your mind to open to the possibility of falling in love with another soul as enamoured with Italy. This story gets a 4 star rating.
Four Meetings is a 3 star rating story due to its lack of providing all that I normally love within James’ writing. It’s an interesting little story that allows us to realize that not all our dreams come to any fruition and yet we should continue to not part with these allowances of imagination in hopes that whether in dreaming, or through novels we can have a little bit of its experience in our otherwise simple lives.
Madame de Mauves is layered with such complexity and transparent obscurity throughout the disposition of the characters and the little story’s plot line. Madame de Mauves is a stern hearted, obstinate and filled with such fidelity that she never strays far from this temperament and expectations of herself.
Euphemia also is very forward in her renunciation of affection and coquetry and turns to associating herself with novels and furthers herself from past romantic notions.
Most associate ‘mauve’ with the pale tone of purple and it’s symbolism can be seen throughout Euphemia’s sentiments and essence as the colour when chosen by the wearer wishes to not stand out and is rather reserved. From a website further describing the colour and it’s symbolism, a quote that relates heavily to Euphemia is that “they may not want to capture attention, but they are also known for their expressive temperament.” This is very fitting to our heroine due to the fact that with her honest and startling grey eyes does expression shine most through and reveals itself to the one gazing into them. It’s in her looks that our hero; Mr Longmore and M de Mauves are able to understand her sentiments clearly. “She raised her eyes at last, and looked at him with what at first seemed a pleading dread of excessive emotion.”
And another quote, “for she had a way of not dropping her eyes, according to the mysterious virginal mechanism.”
Another incredible writing technique that James adopts into this story is the antithesis behaviour between the two Americans; Euphemia de Mauves and Mr Longmore, with the two French characters; Madame Clarin and M de Mauves. Euphemia and Madame Clarin’s approach when broaching the subject of infidelity can easily be marked that the former holds the belief and general dialogue of one against such turpitude behaviour and has an ‘Angel on the shoulder’ quality, while the latter believes it is socially acceptable to commit adultery as long as it’s not socially known and sullies the family name, and is the partnering ‘Devil on the shoulder.’ Similarity as well the theme adds stereotypical notions of philandering French flirts with an honest American view.
All in all this is one of favourite James’ short stories, it gets a 4.5 star rating.
Daisy Miller represents simplicity and positive vibes when being surrounded by them. Similarly with our character Daisy who dons the nickname allows our hero Mr Winterbourne to feel light, positive and cheerful in her presence that in the beginning confused him. Further symbolism behind daisies are purity, innocence, new beginnings, transformation, and cheerfulness. All of these things are incredibly linked to Daisy’s disposition and her very self.
She is consistently referred to as “uncultivated” and one with such “innocence.” The only manner in which Daisy may be, or appears as uncultivated is with societal expectations and the naivety of her indifference towards the gossip others lavish her in.
She provides and opens herself not only to new beginnings, transformations, and experiences, but also awakens Mr Winterbourne to them. He displays childish glee in discovering the city through her eyes and in what she wishes to see and how.
Daisy Miller was simply put a young woman who feels societal constraints that don’t amount to full understanding of the reasoning behind these rules on women of stature, age and deportment. She contains the purity in her actions and flirtatious behaviour and many instead view her as compromising herself and those that associate themselves with her. This short story gets a 4 stars.
An International Episode further delves into societal constraints and cultural differences between Europe and America. It’s prominent that Bessie does not behave in the standard hushed British fashion and due to this factor, she is quite refreshing to Lord Lambeth and manages to spark his interest.
We are able to witness the clash between Europe’s old fashioned manners and views when Bessie; a known intellect, is bold and brash in Percy’s sentiments as she questions him on Lord Lambeth’s ancestry, rank in legislator, overall privilege, and his castle. All of these query’s ring gold digger alarms in Lambeth’s friend Percy and it’s with the thoughts of her vulgarity that he warns Lambeth “that girl means to try for you.” It’s an interesting story and provides an intriguing twist of an ending that receives a 3.5 star rating.
’Europe’ is a rather unexpected tale of a mother who being widowed keeps her three girls close to her side and does not wish for them to stray far from her side and experience all life, society, travel and culture have to offer them. Mrs Rimmel appears to me as a paralleled Ms Havisham with the main antithesis of style and physical appearance. When their mother is content with her daughters abstaining from travel always being the cause due to self prescribed illness that cures itself relatively quickly, she feeds off of her daughters like “a vulture.” The lustre of the mother’s appearance begins to mirror Ms Havishams decayed style and disposition when one of the girls finally flees from home to Europe and vows never to return. It’s an intriguing read that reminds me of a witch preying on a young woman’s beauty and lack of experience.
Fordham Castle allows the lucid transformation from obscure opacity into vivid transparent fictionalized death of ones disposition. It reads like the shedding of a snake ridding itself of its previous skin and reappearing with the same look; however, a new nature is inspired within the character. This story gets a 3.5 stars out of me. It’s quite an intriguing little fiction that reawakens a reimagined attitude and outlook on life. The suppression of ones parentage is where this little story takes an unparalleled turn that’s new in this compendium of tales. Death is a metaphor in allowing oneself to start anew and not feel morally wrong in their actions but rather that their choice is done with understanding and deviating from further ties and confusion.
Travelling Companions is a travel and art guide throughout Rome, Venice, and other sections of Italy that bring vivid artwork, gothic architecture, and beautiful scenery from Monte Rosa as “she stands, frozen and fixed, resting her head upon that mountain wall, looking over at this lovey southern world and yearning towards it forever it vain,” to Venice’s Adriatic view and it’s secret of being “the salt-sown garden of the city of the sea.”
It is a picturesque story and shows that falling in love with a city, it’s culture and art, allows your mind to open to the possibility of falling in love with another soul as enamoured with Italy. This story gets a 4 star rating.
Four Meetings is a 3 star rating story due to its lack of providing all that I normally love within James’ writing. It’s an interesting little story that allows us to realize that not all our dreams come to any fruition and yet we should continue to not part with these allowances of imagination in hopes that whether in dreaming, or through novels we can have a little bit of its experience in our otherwise simple lives.
Madame de Mauves is layered with such complexity and transparent obscurity throughout the disposition of the characters and the little story’s plot line. Madame de Mauves is a stern hearted, obstinate and filled with such fidelity that she never strays far from this temperament and expectations of herself.
Euphemia also is very forward in her renunciation of affection and coquetry and turns to associating herself with novels and furthers herself from past romantic notions.
Most associate ‘mauve’ with the pale tone of purple and it’s symbolism can be seen throughout Euphemia’s sentiments and essence as the colour when chosen by the wearer wishes to not stand out and is rather reserved. From a website further describing the colour and it’s symbolism, a quote that relates heavily to Euphemia is that “they may not want to capture attention, but they are also known for their expressive temperament.” This is very fitting to our heroine due to the fact that with her honest and startling grey eyes does expression shine most through and reveals itself to the one gazing into them. It’s in her looks that our hero; Mr Longmore and M de Mauves are able to understand her sentiments clearly. “She raised her eyes at last, and looked at him with what at first seemed a pleading dread of excessive emotion.”
And another quote, “for she had a way of not dropping her eyes, according to the mysterious virginal mechanism.”
Another incredible writing technique that James adopts into this story is the antithesis behaviour between the two Americans; Euphemia de Mauves and Mr Longmore, with the two French characters; Madame Clarin and M de Mauves. Euphemia and Madame Clarin’s approach when broaching the subject of infidelity can easily be marked that the former holds the belief and general dialogue of one against such turpitude behaviour and has an ‘Angel on the shoulder’ quality, while the latter believes it is socially acceptable to commit adultery as long as it’s not socially known and sullies the family name, and is the partnering ‘Devil on the shoulder.’ Similarity as well the theme adds stereotypical notions of philandering French flirts with an honest American view.
All in all this is one of favourite James’ short stories, it gets a 4.5 star rating.
Daisy Miller represents simplicity and positive vibes when being surrounded by them. Similarly with our character Daisy who dons the nickname allows our hero Mr Winterbourne to feel light, positive and cheerful in her presence that in the beginning confused him. Further symbolism behind daisies are purity, innocence, new beginnings, transformation, and cheerfulness. All of these things are incredibly linked to Daisy’s disposition and her very self.
She is consistently referred to as “uncultivated” and one with such “innocence.” The only manner in which Daisy may be, or appears as uncultivated is with societal expectations and the naivety of her indifference towards the gossip others lavish her in.
She provides and opens herself not only to new beginnings, transformations, and experiences, but also awakens Mr Winterbourne to them. He displays childish glee in discovering the city through her eyes and in what she wishes to see and how.
Daisy Miller was simply put a young woman who feels societal constraints that don’t amount to full understanding of the reasoning behind these rules on women of stature, age and deportment. She contains the purity in her actions and flirtatious behaviour and many instead view her as compromising herself and those that associate themselves with her. This short story gets a 4 stars.
An International Episode further delves into societal constraints and cultural differences between Europe and America. It’s prominent that Bessie does not behave in the standard hushed British fashion and due to this factor, she is quite refreshing to Lord Lambeth and manages to spark his interest.
We are able to witness the clash between Europe’s old fashioned manners and views when Bessie; a known intellect, is bold and brash in Percy’s sentiments as she questions him on Lord Lambeth’s ancestry, rank in legislator, overall privilege, and his castle. All of these query’s ring gold digger alarms in Lambeth’s friend Percy and it’s with the thoughts of her vulgarity that he warns Lambeth “that girl means to try for you.” It’s an interesting story and provides an intriguing twist of an ending that receives a 3.5 star rating.
’Europe’ is a rather unexpected tale of a mother who being widowed keeps her three girls close to her side and does not wish for them to stray far from her side and experience all life, society, travel and culture have to offer them. Mrs Rimmel appears to me as a paralleled Ms Havisham with the main antithesis of style and physical appearance. When their mother is content with her daughters abstaining from travel always being the cause due to self prescribed illness that cures itself relatively quickly, she feeds off of her daughters like “a vulture.” The lustre of the mother’s appearance begins to mirror Ms Havishams decayed style and disposition when one of the girls finally flees from home to Europe and vows never to return. It’s an intriguing read that reminds me of a witch preying on a young woman’s beauty and lack of experience.
Fordham Castle allows the lucid transformation from obscure opacity into vivid transparent fictionalized death of ones disposition. It reads like the shedding of a snake ridding itself of its previous skin and reappearing with the same look; however, a new nature is inspired within the character. This story gets a 3.5 stars out of me. It’s quite an intriguing little fiction that reawakens a reimagined attitude and outlook on life. The suppression of ones parentage is where this little story takes an unparalleled turn that’s new in this compendium of tales. Death is a metaphor in allowing oneself to start anew and not feel morally wrong in their actions but rather that their choice is done with understanding and deviating from further ties and confusion.
pagesofmilkandhoney's review against another edition
3.0
It's ridiculous that this took me nearly a whole month to read considering it's only 4 stories in total, but that just goes to show how much I was putting off reading each one. They're long with multiple chapters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but not what I was signing up for (at least, not at this time). It was also my first foray into the work of Henry James, and I still don't really have an idea about how I feel about him. But I finished it, which is the only thing that matters.
Daisy Miller: 3.5 stars
Pandora: 4.5 stars
The Patagonia: 3.5 stars
(There's a fourth story, but I don't have a rating written down and frankly, I can't be bothered to retrieve it from my bookshelf to jog my memory. Evidently, it was forgettable.)
Daisy Miller: 3.5 stars
Pandora: 4.5 stars
The Patagonia: 3.5 stars
(There's a fourth story, but I don't have a rating written down and frankly, I can't be bothered to retrieve it from my bookshelf to jog my memory. Evidently, it was forgettable.)
gigglewigglesquiggle's review against another edition
2.0
2,5
Daisy Miller = 2
Four Meetings = 2
Longstaff’s Marriage = 3
Benvolio = 3
Daisy Miller = 2
Four Meetings = 2
Longstaff’s Marriage = 3
Benvolio = 3