Washington Square

Written by Henry James

Narrated by Adam Sims

Washington Square tells the poignant and gently comic story of Catherine Sloper, a sweet and unassuming young heiress, and her fortune-seeking suitor Morris Townsend. Set in New York City during the 1840s, the story follows Ms Sloper’s conflicts with her concerned father, who attempts to thwart Mr Townsend, and her busybody aunt, who encourages the attachment. But amid all the duplicity and folly, Ms Sloper slowly grows towards independence and maturity, and begins to make her own decisions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Dec 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781843799818

Henry James

Henry James (1843-1916) was an American author of novels, short stories, plays, and non-fiction. He spent most of his life in Europe, and much of his work regards the interactions and complexities between American and European characters. Among his works in this vein are The Portrait of a Lady (1881), The Bostonians (1886), and The Ambassadors (1903). Through his influence, James ushered in the era of American realism in literature. In his lifetime he wrote 12 plays, 112 short stories, 20 novels, and many travel and critical works. He was nominated three times for the Noble Prize in Literature.

Reviews for Washington Square

[Patt Mihailoff · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

At the instance of my fellow TCM viewers of “THE HEIRESS” which is based on this novel, I listened to WASHINGTON SQUARE.

First I would like to say that the book did more “telling” than “showing” which has become a HUGE no-no in today’s editorial novelistic endeavors.
(trust me, I know).

If you have seen the movie ( as I have) prior to reading I assure you that your mind will be focused on the images of two spectacular Actors, Olvia de Havilland and Mongomery Clift.

Also you will be disappointed that the book was not as… fulfilling as the movie which was excellent, and I applaud the screen writers for the particular spins, not only on the characters but a wonderfully most excellent revenge ending.

In the novel father seemed to juxtapose between abject disregard and obligatory affection for his daughter, which he showed NONE of in the film.

Catherine’s characterization too was not as good in the book as she was in the film. The writer’s took some terrific creative licensing when they depicted her in the park as her father was dying and she refused to go to his bedside. While in the novel, it goes on until both are in their latter years and she took care of him until he died.
In the novel you have a semblance (because of the times ,and Morris’ less than near do well worth) what he’s up to, but the movie serves up his movies deliciously.

All in all it was a decent read, but the movie was far better.

[sanjastajdohar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellently written and read. Such a gem of a classic.