“What Maisie Knew” has been very widely discussed in the academic circles. The book is highly admired for its technical proficiency and its judgment of a negligent and damaged contemporary society.
The novel primarily explores the theme of knowledge and education through the upbringing of the central and titular character Maisie. The book very extensively describes how a young girl Maisie observes the irresponsible behavior of all the adults she has to live with.
Besides the central theme of knowledge and education, family, morality, relationships, childhood, social class, memory and jealousy are some of the other themes that the author explores very intelligently.
