karenmichele 's review for:

Washington Square by Henry James

4.0

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Many of the descriptions and reviews of Washington Square describe its melodramatic flare and the actions of the despicable father and fortune seeking Morris as they tangle over Catherine’s life. The addition of Mrs. Penniman was what engaged me in the book. She was living vicariously through her niece, playing the go-between with all of the other characters,

Spoiler

and ultimately was devastated by Morris almost as much as Catherine was

. I picked up Washington Square at the last moment because of details for the Seasonal Reading Challenge even though I am not really a fan of Henry James. I learned through other reviews and a look at the canon, that Henry James himself rejected this novel later in his career. I guess I just “march to my own drummer” because I preferred it to both Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw, the only other James books I have read. Now I’m curious about him and ready to give him another try. Suggestions, anyone?