Moving my pre-20th century reading to an author I knew very little about, never mind having ever read any of, I picked up Henry James' What Maisie Knew from the bookshelf in our lounge. As a title, I think it's intriguing and effective, making me want to know more and effectively summing up the concept, that of a child who grows up almost as the plaything of the adults she is surrounded by.
Understandably, this is not a happy book. The title character is surrounded by petty, neglectful, jealous, weak, superficial adults, most of whom, by the end of the novel, are largely unlikeable and devoid of any sympathy. Through her careless divorced parents, to their new, more likeable but perhaps more frivolous lovers, who ultimately assume more responsibility for Maisie's welfare, the poor girl is treated like a toy, that is ultimately passed around when one or the other of them gets bored with her.
The fact that it is told from Maisie's perspective is very clever, as her observations and ideas are the straightforward ones of a child, saying things that are to the point and ultimately innocent. This loss of innocence, as she begins to understand how adults think and behave is one of the most depressing, but beautifully realised themes of the novel, culminating in her choice of where to place her allegiance at the end. It was well-constructed and well-written, though I did sometimes struggle with it in places, which is probably a failing on my part and why I've never been particularly taken with older literature (read: I'm probably just a bit thick). I did enjoy it and it was good, though I'm not convinced I'm desperate to go back and pick up another book by James straight away.
Book number: 24
Title: What Maisie Knew
Author: Henry James
Category: Pre-20th century literature
No comments:
Post a Comment