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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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About this listen

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

Very good

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

Haunting

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

Well read.

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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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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!

A story of two halves

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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.

Excellent Narration

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Well written and extremely well narrated. A real classic and a good listen. Highly recommended. Gave it 5 stars

Great listen to a classic

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First time I've listened to a Henry James novel. Loved it, and his use of words. Characterisation insights excellent. The reader was perfect. Thoroughly enjoyed and will listen to more of this author.

A great listen!

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Well written story and typical of its time.
Well narrated.
Still not convinced about the ending....

Curious story

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Very good and very well read in a lovely soft American accent.

A relaxing listen.

A relaxing listen

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