The Turn of The Screw (book review)

 BOOK REVIEW:

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

The book I've read this Christmas is "The Turn of The Screw", a story with various film adaptations. Its author, Henry James, was considered to be among the greatest novelist by many. he died in 1916, with 51 books published.

Here's my review - by Lucía

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

'The turn of the Screw' is a gothic and horror fiction book about a governess who convinces herself a remote country house is haunted, and tries to protect her children from the strange encounters. It starts, though, with scary tales being told by various families in a gathering. None of them are presented as true, until the governess' story. The reader is meant to think this one is factual, but reading, you wonder. The governess, in the story, in spite of being paranoid, doesn't leave behind her love desires.

THE CHARACTERS

First, the governess, who is sensitive and intelligent. She sees herself as a hero fighting against evil, an evil that, for all we know, might not be real. Secondly, Mrs Grose, her servant and companion. Mrs Grose is illiterate and treats the governess very respectfully, but it's difficult to tell if she's truly on her side. Then, Miles and Flora, two well-mannered siblings. But, in a way, disturbing. Like they've got some dark secrets. Their uncle, the governess' employer, is attractive, friendly and pleasant. The governess falls for him. There are two ghosts: The first is Peter Quint: handsome and clever. It is said he was once infamous. Then, Miss Jessel

, the governess' predecessor. She apparently had an inappropriate relationship with Peter. The governess believes both these wandering souls are acting up, causing corruption. Other minor characters are Luke (a servant), Douglas (teller of the tale), Griffin (tells stories at the gathering), other people at the gathering, and the anonymous narrator who narrated the prologue.

IS IT WORTH READING? (totally!)

This a great and intriguing book. The story makes you wonder, and it's quite interesting. It's a ghost tale, but not scary: in fact, it's more about the governess going insane in search fot something more interesting than her life, a tale worth telling, or perhaps seeing things. If you think about it, maybe Douglas is completely making it up. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It is truly fascinating.