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Liked It4 of 4 members found this review helpful “I adore “Washington Square,” and not just because I walk past it all the time in the Village. It’s a riveting study of emotional ambivalence and cruelty, and poor Catherine Sloper is a worthy member of James’ roster of monied innocents who excite the manipulation and victimization of others. I...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “I couldn't finish it- it was torture.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“Surprisingly enjoyable. It was my first return to James since college, when I couldn't stand him, but he makes a marvelous story out of nothing. Really. Nothing.”
John D wrote this review Wednesday, October 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I couldn't finish it- it was torture.”
Nicole B wrote this review Saturday, September 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“"I love it so much (also the movie)...Washington Square , by Henry James, tells the story of Catherine Sloper, the plain, obedient daughter of the widowed, well-to-do Dr. August Sloper of Washington Square. When a handsome, feckless man-about-town proposes to Catherine, her father forbids the marriage because he believes the man to be after Catherine's fortune and future inheritance. The conflict between father, daughter, and suitor provokes consequences in the lives of all three that make this story one of James's most piercingly memorable.
Queen of Sheba wrote this review Wednesday, April 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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““Our story hitherto has moved with very short steps…” that I doubt it has moved it all. There is not much that I can say to this novel’s benefit besides the clarity of Henry James’ words. He possesses the ability to pick exactly the right word, which can lead to surprising displays of wit. Beyond that, the book has many flaws: character descriptions are given multiple times and the father-daughter dynamic that should drive the plot is told, not displayed or felt through the characters. On the whole, the book didn’t satisfy as entertainment or intellectual endeavor.
Alexia W wrote this review Friday, August 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I reread this novel for class, but am still left with similar feelings. I thought this might be one of those books that is more interesting to analyze than to read, but I am sorry to say it still bored me. We read another James novel, The American, that seemed to cover the same issues presented in this story, but in a much more intriguing fashion.”
“Once you get pass the victorian era language barrier, this novel has a nice story to it. ”
Tim S wrote this review Sunday, August 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I chose to read the book because the movie was so ... disturbing, and I have to admit the book is intriguing in and of itself. With the exception of the heroine, Catherine Sloper, the characters in the book are less mysterious and indecipherable than in the film adaptation, but the book leaves you pondering, "Do people like this really exist in the world?" But as bizarre and unfathomable as the characters were, they were believable. I'll probably read it again some day just to try and discover the mystery.”
Tracy wrote this review Saturday, August 16 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I loved this book. I started it immediately after finishing the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy and it was so engrossing that I finished it in just a few days. The protagonist, Catherine Sloper, is manipulated by the other major characters including her father, aunt, and gold-digging suitor--but she emerges as a strong, admirable heroine who remains true to her values.”
Lucy's Grandma wrote this review Wednesday, August 13 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“i prefered the movie by jennifer J.L. it is amazing, and the soundtrack makes the tears in my eyes fall”
Dana A wrote this review Tuesday, June 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Whilst cleverly written, I think the author has had to create somewhat disbelievable characters that would have the capacity to act as they did, in order to follow his planned story line. Unfortunately, the characters have no redeemable features and hence it is almost impossible to sympathise with any of them. However, the story and characters kept me engaged enough to be interested in what was going to happen up to the end.”
David H wrote this review Monday, June 16 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
