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A review by liesthemoontells
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I can see why this novella has stood the test of time in terms of its atmospheric dread, the creepiness of it's supernatural themes, and the compelling narrative of innocent children being lured by evil, not to mention the brilliance of the unreliable narration. I, for one, am completely on Team The Governess is Clearly Going Insane.
That being said, the prose in this novel is SO dense. The run on sentences are so exhausting that just trying to keep up with the plot is a challenge at times, which really takes away from the atmospheric horror of it all.
That being said, the prose in this novel is SO dense. The run on sentences are so exhausting that just trying to keep up with the plot is a challenge at times, which really takes away from the atmospheric horror of it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Classism, and Child death
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Adult/minor relationship