Henry James stories are classic gems of subtle wit and irony. Set in the exacting social landscape of New York City at the turn of the century, Washington Square is the tale of a wealthy but shy young woman caught between conflicting family expectations. John McDonough's warm narration traces her remarkable inner journey.
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"Apparently based on a true story that James was told (I read it in the introductory notes after reading the book), this is a great if not sad story of a woman who is but a pawn in a game of manipulation. Don't worry for our heroine, because she does get her own back in her own way with sheer defiance." — Linda (4 out of 5 stars)
"Apparently based on a true story that James was told (I read it in the introductory notes after reading the book), this is a great if not sad story of a woman who is but a pawn in a game of manipulation. Don't worry for our heroine, because she does get her own back in her own way with sheer defiance."
" I just reread this classic since I was in need of human drama that was less brutal. Even during this read, which is one of a dozen, the book's taut tension had this reader turning each page with expectation. "
" Read as a result of "Reading Lolita in Tehran". Had never read Henry James. Discovered I like his style and stories! "
" I pitied every principal character for their having to eat the fruit of who they were; I never grew to like them. Strangely, I pitied John Ludlow the most--for his passion being given no chance. "
" A true heroine...especially since she was confronted with so many villians. "
" It's been a long time since I read this book but I thought it was sad and beautiful "
" I liked the writing style but I felt that the book was uneventful. "
" nice for summer reading, free on the kindle, check it "
" Certainly more of an easy read than his later stuff. "
" Hands down, my favorite Henry James book. I am not a big fan of authors, particularly American, during that time period, but have always enjoyed this book on many, many levels. "
" My first James. Attempt in college to read "Wings of the Dove" was a massive failure; put me off for years. Now interest is back. "
" Nothing happens, and nothing happens so slowly that it boggles the mind. "
" They sure wrote differently in 1880. "
" Wanted to re-read this. Meticulous character study. "
" I listened to this audiobook "
" I really enjoyed the writing and the characters in this book. I would have liked a little more plot, but still had a great time reading it. The language was great. "
" This is the BEST James novel of them all. If anyone chooses to read James, this should be the novel. "
" This is a great book to read for folks who have finished all the Jane Austen books and are dying to read more Jane Austen. The humor is more dry and not as punchy, but it is there. Beautiful writing. "
" It says a lot about an author when he can dedicate so much time and effort into making fun of his own characters. I don't think I was in a bitter enough mood for this. "
" I read the first chapter or more, wasn't impressed. Skipped to the end of the book and felt like I didn't miss much. Not worth my reading time--or maybe I am just uncultured. "
" whoa...comic relief and not much else "
" The characters are all terribly annoying, but overall the book is good. "
" Good! Better than re-reading all the Jane Austen novels, I think I will start reading Henry James. Good for anyone who likes novels in which marriage prospects are labeled by their annual income. "
" Quite a sad tale of a rich, but very plain girl, with a suitor who wants to marry her for her money and a dad who is adamently against it. So descriptive in character studies. "
" Well written but the characters weren't all that sympathetic. A good read nevertheless. "
Henry James (1843–1916), American novelist, short-story writer, and man of letters, was born in Washington Place, New York, to a family of distinguished philosophers and theologians. He attended schools in New York, Boston, and throughout Europe, where he later settled. A major figure in the history of the novel, he is celebrated as a master craftsman who brought his great art and impeccable technique to bear in the development of abiding moral themes.
John McDonough, one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices, has narrated dozens of audiobooks, and won eleven Earphones Awards. He is known for his narrations of children’s books, including Robert McCloskey’s Centerburg Tales and Albert Marrin’s Commander-in-Chief Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Outside of his audiobook work, he has starred in a revival of Captain Kangaroo on the Fox Network.
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