The Turn of the Screw

by Henry James
The Turn of the Screw cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Gothic
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Paperback • £3.99–£11.99
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Format • £5.69–£19.00
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  • ID: 5308
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9791041806911
  • Publisher: BoD - Books on Demand
  • Published: 2023-05-17
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4

Henry James's The Turn of the Screw is a renowned ghost story that transcends its genre, offering a rich tapestry of psychological depth and narrative ambiguity. The novella presents a governess who becomes convinced that the children in her care are haunted by malevolent spirits, but the true nature of these apparitions remains a mystery. The story's power lies in its ability to provoke differing interpretations, leaving readers to ponder whether the ghosts are real or a manifestation of the governess's unraveling mind. /n/n Originally published as a serial, The Turn of the Screw underwent several revisions by James himself, reflecting his meticulous craftsmanship. The novella's enduring appeal lies in its complex narrative structure and the subtle ways it invites readers to engage with its enigmatic themes. It has captivated generations of readers and critics, cementing its place as a classic of English literature.

Reviews
Goodreads · Anonymous · 2025-10-23
good 3.00

The writing is excellent in parts, but the story line is safe and intriguing. It's a middle-ground read, not outstanding but not poor either.

This reader found the book to be a solid three-star read. They appreciated the excellent writing in parts, which made the book engaging. However, they felt the story line was safe and intriguing but not particularly outstanding. It's a book that won't disappoint but also won't leave a lasting impression. The reviewer acknowledges that the book has its merits, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of a five-star read.

Quick quotes

    This book was no more than a 3 stars for me, but 2 feels mean because the writing is excellent in parts, and it has a safe but intriguing story line.

    The writing is excellent in parts, but the story line is safe and intriguing.

    It's a middle-ground read, not outstanding but not poor either.

Buried Under Books · Anonymous · 2019-12-13
intriguing 4.50

The story is determinedly ambiguous with few actual events, plenty of gaps in the narrative, and a final, shocking, ending.

This reviewer highlights the ambiguity of the story, noting that there are few actual events and plenty of gaps in the narrative. The ending is described as shocking, which adds to the overall intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the way James plays with the reader's expectations and leaves much open to interpretation. The atmospheric and eerie tone is also noted, making the reading experience tense and engaging.

Quick quotes

    'The Turn of the Screw' is determinedly ambiguous, with few actual events, plenty of gaps in the narrative, and a final, shocking, ending.

    The story is determinedly ambiguous with few actual events, plenty of gaps in the narrative, and a final, shocking, ending.

    The atmospheric and eerie tone is also noted, making the reading experience tense and engaging.

Literary Elephant · 2019-08-07
atmospheric 4.25

The governess's account is atmospheric and eerie, with her fear and tension apparent in every chapter. The story's ambiguity and the lack of clear answers about the supernatural elements add to its eerie quality.

The reviewer from Literary Elephant emphasizes the atmospheric and eerie nature of 'The Turn of the Screw,' noting that the governess's account is filled with fear and tension from the very beginning. The story's ambiguity and the lack of clear answers about the supernatural elements add to its eerie quality, making it a deeply unsettling read. The reviewer appreciates James's ability to create a narrative that is both atmospheric and open to multiple interpretations. The governess's unreliable perspective adds layers of complexity, making the story a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience. The reviewer highlights the story's power to linger in the mind long after the final page.

Quick quotes

    As for the governess's account, it is atmospheric and eerie almost from the get-go, her fear and tension apparent in every chapter.

    The story's ambiguity and the lack of clear answers about the supernatural elements add to its eerie quality.

    The governess's unreliable perspective adds layers of complexity, making the story a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience.

The New Yorker · 2012-10-29
masterclass 4.25

The language is dense and the book is short but casts a long shadow. The story is a masterclass in creating tension and atmosphere.

The reviewer notes that the language in the book is dense, characteristic of late James, but the story is short and impactful. The reviewer appreciates how James uses the psychological state of the governess to create a sense of tension and atmosphere. The story is seen as a masterclass in creating a sense of dread and unease, with the reviewer noting that the story casts a long shadow despite its short length. The reviewer also appreciates the way James uses the ambiguity of the story to leave much to the reader's interpretation.

Quick quotes

    The language is extremely dense—late James in all his rococo rhetorical finery—and though the book runs only some hundred pages, it casts a long shadow.

    The story is a masterclass in creating tension and atmosphere.

    The ambiguity of the story is part of what makes it so compelling.

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