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Washington Square

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Washington Square

By: Henry James
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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On New York City’s Washington Square lives Catherine Sloper, a shy and plain young woman who is tyrannized by her wealthy, overbearing father. When young Morris Townsend begins to court her, Dr. Sloper distrusts his motives, believing that the young man could not possibly love his daughter. Both lovers are obstinate in their affections; but when Dr. Sloper threatens to disinherit Catherine, Townsend disappears, leaving Catherine to humiliation, heartache, and lonely spinsterhood. Years later, after her father’s death, Townsend returns, and Catherine must make up her own mind about his intentions.

(P)1999 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Military Heartfelt War
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Critic reviews

“Henry James is as solitary in the history of the novel as Shakespeare is in the history of poetry.”

(Graham Greene)

“Lloyd James gives an excellent reading. His voice is very pleasant and his rendering of the text is subtle and well paced.”

(Kliatt)

“Every line, every paragraph, every chapter [of Washington Square] is a fleet-footed light brigade, an engine of irony.”

(Cynthia Ozick, American-Jewish short story writer, novelist, and essayist)

“Everybody likes Washington Square, even the denigrators of Henry James.”

(Donald Hall)

“James wrote Washington Square in 1881, six years after his permanent departure from America for Europe. It’s simple on the surface, complex and devastating below: a tale of quiet betrayals and the death of the heart.”

(Chicago Tribune)

“Washington Square, a tale of a young woman who is caught between her domineering father and her fortune-hunting suitor, is sensitively read by [Lloyd] James, who offers a compassionate interpretation of the protagonist’s plight.”

(Booklist)
All stars
Most relevant
I almost gave up on Henry James after The Golden Bowl which I found almost impenetrable. Washington Square is much simpler, a terrific tale with fine lines beautifully delivered that leave you hanging till the last moment. This work is a tribute to the quiet steadfast strength of character of a young woman, who with dignity overcomes injustice served on her. Enough is enough. How uplifting a message and what a role model.

Impressions last when they are strong

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Well written story giving a glimpse of the distant past. Well narrated , a great free listen

Most enjoyable

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This is not the place to start with James.
It lacks his exquisite prose and it really is a slog of a tale that goes nowhere.
The narrator puts an extremely dower and depressing tone to the story and I don't know if it was James' intention but the father is void of all emotion.

Rather dull, monotonous and unrewarding view of life and the usual pains and obsession with who should marry who and why and does it really matter when all is said and done.

For comparison, Trollope on the other hand at least injects a bit of humour into the same themes.

Dreary story, Dreary narrator.

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I am glad I was listening while multi-tasking as I would have grudges the time to read this myself. It's OK. The characters are not complex, the story is not complex. I am grateful to the narrator for reading, but his voice is very monotonous.

New to Henry James

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One needs to tolerate a Period novel like this one with its formal language but HJ writes incredibly well. The descriptions are detailed, easily producing images of both character and setting.
The material is a New York middle class drama of early 19C, almost devoid of politics, a social commentary reflecting trends and morality of the day with clear characterisations. Like “What Maisie knew” , HJ offers a view of what’s acceptable.
It wasnt overly long, the performance good and it was an entertaining interlude.

Entertaining Period drama

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