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Washington Square (Blackstone Audio Edition)

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Washington Square (Blackstone Audio Edition)

By: Henry James
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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Summary

 On New York City's Washington Square lives Catherine Sloper, a shy and plain-looking young woman who is tyrannized by her wealthy, overbearing father. When young Morris Townsend begins to court her, Dr. Sloper, distrusting his motives, threatens to disinherit Catherine.

In accordance with her father's suspicions, young 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.

This 1881 novel was adapted into the popular movie The Heiress.

(P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc. Classics Military Heartfelt War
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Critic reviews

"Washington Square is a perfectly balanced novel...a work of surpassing refinement and interest." (Elizabeth Hardwick)
"It's James at the top of his form." (AudioFile)
All stars
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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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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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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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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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