A short novel set among American visitors in Switzerland and Rome. Daisy Miller is a pretty, frank and unconventional young woman travelling with her mother and small brother. Winterbourne, an American who has lived long in Europe, is charmed by her but unsure how to read her. Her friendly ways with strangers, especially a handsome Italian, shock the watching expatriate community, who whisper and judge. The story examines innocence, social rules and the gap between American openness and European convention. It made James famous on both sides of the Atlantic.
Quotes
I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me, or to interfere with anything I do.
At the little town of Vevey, in Switzerland, there is a particularly comfortable hotel.
I don't think I want to know what you mean.