Very good

Great reading of this book. Well done! I hope to hear more of Henry James.

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Haunting

Involving story of a very ordinary, unloved young woman targeted by a fortune hunter

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Well read.

Wonderful delivery of a Henry James’ sad novel. A short absorbing listen and the evocation of the nineteenth century mores in America are delightful

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Impressions last when they are strong

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.

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A story of two halves

I am in a phase of enjoying this period in New York’s social life. Both James and Edith Wharton are wonderful writers in comparison modern authors seem to lack the depth of vision and power of observation. When people say that a book is ‘well written’ these books should form the template of their view. I don’t believe that I make these remarks with judgement obscured by the novelty of the style or fascination with the period in which they were written!

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent Narration

First, the narration by Lloyd James is excellent. I read Washington Square as a student and I would certainly recommend it as a great starting point to meet Henry James.
Interestingly James himself did not rate Washington Square and dismissed it as one of his "unhappy accidents".

But I don't think we return to James for the plot they often feel forced or melodrama without the happy ending.. Or the characters lack dimension and warmth. I think there is a similarity between Henry James and Edith Wharton it is a cascading verbal waterfall. But James at his best has a hypnotic, lyrical beauty. and I think that is why I have come back to him again, in order to experience that feeling of being washed with words.

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A Pearl

Washington Square is an almost perfect novel. The reader/listener shares the anguish of the long-suffering heroine who is denied her choice of marriage partner through her father's intransigence and her obedience to his will. Her suitor is a charlatan and her father is motivated by a desire to protect his daughter, and the fortune she will inherit after his death. However, he is merciless and cold and the reader/listener is, in the end, on Catherine's side. The portion of the novel leading up to Morris Townsend's departure when he learns that Catherine has been disinherited is, in my view, better than what follows. I really enjoyed the narration. It is a personal prejudice, but I think Henry James' works are best read in a man's voice, and definitely by an American. Lloyd James does an excellent job here.

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Peculiarly Engaging....

I could have said sooo boring, trivial and superficial BUT....somehow the ebb and flow of the processes between the main characters captivated my attention and had me appreciating the literary skill of the author...and how beautifully he opened my awareness of the undoubtedly unique perceptions we each have as we attempt to forge meanings and interpret the messages we receive...fascinating !!!

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Splendid narration

I enjoyed this book immensely .I have read it once before but i thought that reading and listening in tandem was an extra benefit.Somehow i cannot see how Lloyd James could be bettered as the narrator of this story.Splendid story ,splendid rendition.

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Henry James at his best; moving text full of irony

I wish Henry James had written more books like this. IMO (in my opinion) his short stories (e.g. 'Turn of the Screw' 'The Aspern Papers') and shorter novels are his best work before he got lost in endless sentences...Yes there's always something going on under the surface & it's an acquired taste but not mine.
This book actually moves, and full of sharp, piquant dialogues; There are six main characters and in a book of this length each has space to be developed.
Very well read by somebody from the seemingly endless pool of excellent USA readers / actors.

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