3 Review(s)

The story centers around Maisie, a young girl whose parents are going through a tumultuous divorce. The narrative is primarily told from Maisie's perspective, offering insights into the complexities of adult relationships and moral ambiguity through the eyes of a child.As Maisie shuttles back and forth between her parents, witnessing their new relationships and experiencing the neglect she faces, the novel explores themes of innocence, the effects of a dysfunctional family dynamic on a child, and the shifting nature of morality and responsibility.Henry James' "What Maisie Knew" is recognized for its psychological depth and its exploration of the impact of parental conflicts on a child's understanding of the world. The novel remains a notable work within James' literary repertoire for its innovative narrative technique and its poignant portrayal of the child's viewpoint in the midst of adult turmoil.