Washington Square (Blackstone Audio Edition)

Fabulous

This book's characters just jump out of the narration, it's absolutely wonderful. James' understanding of a certain female character is uncanny. I adored this book and was so sorry when it ended!

5 people found this helpful

A Light Classic

If you enjoy well written 19th century classic literature, this is a great choice. It's pretty light, and not quite as intriguing as The Portrait of a Lady, but it still keeps you interested. My only complaint is the narrator's pacing- he reads well, but leaves interminable pauses between most of his sentences. It might be worthwhile to listen to a sample before buying it.

5 people found this helpful

Classic!

I'm of two minds when it comes to this book. On the one hand, the writing and James' observations are exquisitely on point, and he is able to create such a fleshed out story with so little story-line. On the other, I disliked all the characters. I did sympathize with Catherine, and in a way, even with Morris, but I did not connect to them. I've found this to be the case with other books by Henry James as well as Edith Wharton. They are such masters of language, but for me, they are not as acutely talented in drawing out characters with whom I have an affinity. I never perceived great passion or chemistry between any of the characters, so the "love story" did not strike me as terribly authentic or believable. That being said, I did strangely enjoy it. After reading far too much news in recent months, and quite a number or creepy thrillers, I felt a need for beautiful language, and eloquence in a world where some days it seems there is decidedly too little of either. I wasn't looking for a book to break my heart or fully engage all my emotions. I read this because I trust James to provide something of linguistic beauty, and in that respect, I was quite satisfied.

1 person found this helpful

Accessible James Beautifully Read

Less internal than some Henry James, memorable (if mostly unlovable) characters, sad ending, great narration.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent audio presentation of Henry James' classic

Easy to listen to and thoroughly enjoyable the presentation narrated by Lloyd James. Wished that Lloyd James had done some of the other Henry James audio versions.

1 person found this helpful

not my favorite narrator

Narrator pauses too long between every single sentence, which wasn't helped by increasing the speed.

Wonderful Story, great narration

What a great story and it was made even better by the narration! I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Excellent oration of an excellent novel

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narrator's performance. So bittersweet and admirable. I love Catherine and her strong resolution.

I love this story

I enjoyed the movie called, "The Heiress" and I equally, or perhaps even more so, enjoy this audio book.

Karen

Classic

I keep thinking of Montgomery Clift in the movie. And of Olivia Havilland. It good to have this fine book.