The Turn of the Screw and Other Short Novels

The story is quite melodramatic in the spirit of the time in which it was written. The prose is verbose and sometimes convoluted. Nevertheless, I was engaged and eager for the conclusion to be revealed.

I liked this book, but it was definitely creepy!!! I found myself becoming unsettled fairly early on, and it only got worse.as the book progressed. Old-style writing, naturally, but still easy enough to get into to give you some uneasy dreams if you read it at night.

I loved the characters. Especially the doctor. I thought that the twist would have been that the doctor would fall in love with Townsend’s sister. However, the ending for me was kind of anti climatic.

Excellent, short classic Henry James depiction of a disfunctional family in mid-nineteenth century New York. Worth reading, even if you have seen the original movie, which has a clever but not authentic ending.

Washington Square by Henry James is a good story which I bought for an English College class. I didn't particularly like how most of the story was concentrated on the home setting of the "Washington Square" part of town, but hey that's what the book is called right? For those wanting a slow but interesting classic read I recommend it.

Great novel, wonderfully written.
What i loved is the fact that nowhere in the book seem to be dull moments or chapter where the tension eases. Whenever the "action" seems to be slowing down, you can still feel tension crawling up behind your back.

The Turn of The Screw by Henry James. Published by MobileReference (mobi)

I was astonished by the great quality of "The Turn of the Screw." It is fascinating and remarkably entertaining. I highly recommend the Kindle edition by MobileReference. An excellent choice!

Washington Square was my first Henry James novel and, to say I wasn't impressed and wonder why it's considered remarkable by a great author is a good summary.

Dr Sloper is a doctor who I wouldn't want to encounter while Ill. He is worse off then Ebenezer Scrooge before meeting the three ghosts of Christmas. He has a daughter Catherine who he has no love or compassion for. It seems to this reader that he doesn't have any use for the female gender at all. If the adage that writers write what they know best is true. Then my impression with this book is that Mr James' was himself sexist to a degree that certainly put this female reader off this book. There were a few other of his works that are among my TBR pile that I'm now skeptical about enjoying reading them.

Catherine Sloper is a motherless young girl whose left to her widowed aunt to oversee her coming out into society as her father is a well to do doctor . Her aunt however was married to a minister and has developed a eccentric style along with a flare fore romantic drama. I won't spoil the storyline for those wishing to take a stab at this book for themselves even though I couldn't recommend it.

I never knew the actual story of Frankenstein. This novel was a real eye opener and gives you a new perspective on an old childhood monster. Definitely would recommend reading. Also bought used and was in great condition

Henry James writes contemporaneous with his time (1898). He is long-winded but still insightful. His brother was the famous American psychologist William James. Freudian analysis was fashionable in intellectual circles of the time. James moved easily through the elite circles of New York, Paris, and London, observing their attitudes and lifestyles. His story is about a new governess, interviewed in London by a rich, worldly, charming bachelor Master, to tutor his orphaned young nephew and niece at his country mansion. The 20-year old lass from a rural vicarage is overwhelmed. She wants to protect the children and manage the household and staff to earn his respect. To her consternation, the boy is expelled from his boarding school. The idyll at Bly House is broken. She presses the housekeeper for an explanation. She learns the previous valet may have corrupted the boy. She sees the ghosts of the previous valet and governess. No one else does. She gets paranoiac, suspecting the children of meeting in secret with the ghosts. She alienates the girl and frightens the boy to death.

From the moment one sees Childe Hassam's famous "Washington Square Arch in 1890" we know the tone is set for what's to come! The additional illustrations by Du Maurier bring James' words to life in a subtle period-correct way and enhance the reading experience. This is another delightful project combining classic literature and illustrations created by Panicale Press. These thoughtful and intuitive interactions of art and word along with the definitive edition bring new life to Henry James' work. A highly recommended and enjoyable new addition!

I read this while cruising to Australia and the great winter eclipse last year. Together with Silver Like Dust, these two books created quite a view of women, culturally as well as chronicologically. Great perspective.