What Maisie Knew

Originally serialised in the New Review in 1897 before being published in book form later that year, What Maisie Knew details the fate of a young daughter, Maisie of the title, as she is flung back and forth between divorced parents who care very little about what might be good for her. The narrative follows Maisie's impressions as her parent, Beale and Ida Farange, are divorced, find new partners, passing her back and forth twice a year and change her governess. In its subject matter, What Maisie Knew, is a furious indictment of English society as James saw it, particularly the abdication of parental responsibilities. While life in late Victorian England might seem tame by today's standards, James saw it otherwise and the novel is testament to a society moved by greed and selfishness.