The Europeans is a satirical short novel by American author Henry James. Initially published serially in The Atlantic Monthly, it was later published as a novel in 1878 by Macmillan Publishers and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The novel is a comedic analysis of two Europeans' conduct as they visit the New World of North America. The author compares their attitudes with that of their relatives living there to designate the cultural divide that is taking root in the New World.
Set in the 19th century, Eugenia and Felix have lived all their lives in Europe. Due to matrimonial circumstances, they were forced to travel to America and reconnect with their distant relatives. Once they arrive in Boston, they are culture shocked by the many differences that already exist, despite the fact that American people were Europeans not too long ago. Their relatives blatantly live their lives without a sense of community. Everyone is so focused on living by their individual standards and not so keen on things like attending church and being in service to something much bigger than themselves.
The author examines the characters and setting with so much focus on the details. Not only does he explore their physical perspectives, but goes a step further to dissect their psyche. The portrayal of New England society is indistinguishable from the realities of that time.
In 1979, The Europeans was adapted into a film of the same name by American filmmaker James Ivory. It was nominated for the 1979 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or, 1980 Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and the Golden Globe Awards.
