Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.18 AVERAGE
3.18 AVERAGE
Great short read. Although it’s probably best to read this before watching the Haunting of Bly Manor, because a lot of the scenes are similar but they have very unrelated endings.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh, Henry James, I wanted to love this book of yours. Maybe I had unreasonably high expectations. At any rate, I didn't love it. Sorry, Mr. James.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My second interaction with this book was to read the physical book for my monthly book club. I do admit it was much more intriguing in print. Therefore, I have added a star. This is a true example of gothic fiction. Very dark with mysterious characters and conundrums of which the reader must draw their own conclusions. The writing style was very verbose which led me to reread many passages. I got the feeling there was some kind of intimate abuse of the little boy, either by the butler or at school. With the children being so fond of their previous caretakers, I could not understand why the "spirits" seemed so dark. I did not infer madness on the part of any of the living characters. I'm still pretty salty about the ending.
First time with this book: This one took me forever even as it was presented as a novella. I listened to it on Libby and kept falling asleep immediately. A governess with a “past” is hired sight unseen to nanny two orphans. They live in their uncle’s gorgeous lakeside estate. Weirdness happens. Is it real? Is there mental illness? Where is this elusive uncle? The ending… no!
First time with this book: This one took me forever even as it was presented as a novella. I listened to it on Libby and kept falling asleep immediately. A governess with a “past” is hired sight unseen to nanny two orphans. They live in their uncle’s gorgeous lakeside estate. Weirdness happens. Is it real? Is there mental illness? Where is this elusive uncle? The ending… no!
dark
mysterious
tense
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting plot but the writing style is a terrible slog