Michaela's review

Michaela's review

The Europeans (Penguin Popular Classics) The Europeans (Penguin Popular Classics)
by Henry James

138214 Michaela's review
rating: 4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars

Clever little book by James. I am more interested since I read the essay by Richard Poirier at the end, and learned that this was one of James' earlier books although published later, and that the influence of James' feelings about Hawthornes' writing is throughout. I have never cared much for Hawthorne myself, but learning of James' specific criticisms, I found myself bristling under a supposed slight on the culture of the states as compared to Europe (I make fun of the states, not you H. James...). I will have to read more because my reading of the essay was simultaneous with drinking.
The book itself is mesmerizing. James is a great writer, and this book doesn't cultivate those too lengthy descriptions I find so tedious in The Tragic Muse. I would recommend this for all readers of Edith Wharton, Henry James, and the like, with the added rec. that it is short and sweet.

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message 1: by Kelly
04/22/2008 08:58AM

94602 I haven't read Henry James in awhile. Sounds like a good choice to remedy that without it being a huge project.

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message 2: by Michaela
04/23/2008 01:55AM

138214 Have you ever read the House of the Seven Gables? I've tried to read that goddamn book like 5 times. I can't get into Hawthorne...

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message 3: by Kelly
04/23/2008 06:35AM

94602 Yes, I have! Only, I tried once when I was about 10, so I don't know if that counts. I had no idea what I was reading. The second time I tried I got distracted by discovering Tender is the Night. So I don't know if its gotten a fair shake.

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