Although not all my reviews are spoilery, which I do not consider this one to be, here is a little warning just in case.

Review Written: 4th May 2012

The Europeans by Henry James

A little detour from the world of reading books I want to, to actually read books I have to. The joys of doing American Studies is occasionally, I will get to read a book I actually enjoy! This one was a tiny 190 pages, yet lose yourself while reading and you'll be very confused.

The story focuses on the Baroness Eugenia-Camilla-Dolores Munster, or Eugenia for short who has come to New England from Europe with her brother Felix Young, to meet their cousins. Their visit is slightly overshadowed by the fact Eugenia's husband's family, Prince Adolf, of Silberstadt-Schreckenstein (yes, I know...), wants them to get a divorce because she is simply a commoner.

On arriving to America, they go to their Uncle's, a Mr Wentworth, and meet their cousins Gertrude, Charlotte & Clifford Wentworth and Robert & Lizzie Acton. Are we still with me? It gets more confusing.

The Wentworth's want Gertrude to marry a Mr Brand, yet she falls in love with Felix. Clifford is in love with Lizzie and Robert falls for Eugenia. Charlotte has a thing for Mr Brand even though he loves her younger sister. All the while, being cousins. I know that was you know, the thing back then, but as a 21st century reader, it's rather weird.

It's a short book to read with occasional humour (especially when Felix declares he wants to make 'violent love' to Gertrude - something I wasn't expecting in a book written in the 1870s) so I won't tell you the results of all those love stories.

I also like how the female characters, excluding Lizzie, are not very good looking yet have certain aspects of them that are attractive like their eyes, or nose. 

I enjoyed it once I got into it, so why don't you give it a go.