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evaeyre's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
a very good ghost story to be sure, although definitely confusing when you run into the idea of whether these ghosts are real, or if it’s something the matter with the governess herself — but I can never not enjoy James’ writing!
lory_enterenchanted's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
4.0
Read with a brave English student. There are certain sentences I cannot make head or tail of, so I expect she is even more befuddled.
Grasping the gist, I think it’s a story about a haunted person. The children could have healed from whatever happened to them, but not under the ministrations of this obsessive governess (who probably had something happen to her in childhood, too).
The distant, uncaring “master” with whom her obsession begins — is he reminiscent of someone in her earlier life? He starts off the motif of people who don’t want to and can’t connect with each other, except in a selfish exploitative way, which is brought to such a deadly climax through the governess.
What struck me was her weird determination to skew the world into her personal view of it. The children never give any objective sign of actually seeing the ghosts, yet she is determined that they do. Anything can be twisted into evidence supporting her personal vision (is that the real “turn of the screw”?)
It’s impossible to tell what truth James wanted us to discover, so it remains a frustrating story. I can only imagine that something happened to the governess to mess up her mind to such an extent that truth cannot be found there.
effaly's review against another edition
3.0
I don't really know how to feel about this book, or how I should rate it. I gave it 3 stars because it's a good middle way.
On one hand, it was a quick fun ride. Seeing how the characters react, guessing what's true or rather if it's true. Though I have to admit, I had more fun discussing the books with friends, and hearing what they thought of it and how they interpreted it than reading the book itself.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel disappointed. First of all, the language. I usually have no problems reading books in English, though it's not my native langue, but this book... Nope. His phrasing is so weird (not complex. Weird), unnatural and longwinded that I had to switch languages after merely 3 pages. And don't get me started on the dialogue.
Secondly: It's not really horror as you might imagine it. Yes, it has ghosts and I guess that somewhat classifies it as horror, but it's not spooky or scary at all. And I'm saying that as someone who gets spooked easily.
The characters themselves, especially the Governess and Mrs Grose were so flat, unrealistic and bland. I hoped at least the Governess would show some sort of personality but nope. They are really just there to wheel the plot.
On one hand, it was a quick fun ride. Seeing how the characters react, guessing what's true or rather if it's true. Though I have to admit, I had more fun discussing the books with friends, and hearing what they thought of it and how they interpreted it than reading the book itself.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel disappointed. First of all, the language. I usually have no problems reading books in English, though it's not my native langue, but this book... Nope. His phrasing is so weird (not complex. Weird), unnatural and longwinded that I had to switch languages after merely 3 pages. And don't get me started on the dialogue.
Secondly: It's not really horror as you might imagine it. Yes, it has ghosts and I guess that somewhat classifies it as horror, but it's not spooky or scary at all. And I'm saying that as someone who gets spooked easily.
The characters themselves, especially the Governess and Mrs Grose were so flat, unrealistic and bland. I hoped at least the Governess would show some sort of personality but nope. They are really just there to wheel the plot.
kajetanpewniak's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
minamixx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rainjrop's review against another edition
3.0
Henry James is entirely too long winded. This is likely a result of his effort to create a more stream of consciousness feel, which is something I don't particularly enjoy. I did enjoy the ambiguity: is the governess delusional or are the ghosts real and the children hiding things from her?
sepptb's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
mikelogan's review against another edition
The writing was so dense and as much as I love Bly Manor, I wasn't enjoying myself and reading it felt like a chore.