The Turn of the Screw : Henry James


Book Review

Title: The Turn of the Screw
Author: Henry James
Genre: Fiction/Horror

The Turn of the Screw seemed to be the perfect read for Halloween. ðŸŽƒ

It entails the story of a governess who is engaged to look after 2 children at Bly-a remote English house. After a while the governess has some harrowing experiences on seeing a couple of spirits. They are the ghosts of former employees of the estate-a governess and a valet. The governess vows to protect the 2 children and it remains to be seen if she manages to do so. 

There is a lot of emphasis on the setting. The vivid descriptions of the house and the eye to detail makes it feel rather atmospheric. Readers are transported to this English house by the countryside. 

The entire story is written in first person from the point of view of the governess. It delves into the interiority of her character, capturing her fears, apprehensions and ruminations. Her tryst with the apparitions sends a chill down the spine and casts a shadow effect on the reader. It is left to readers' imagination if these apparitions are a reality or just illusions. This could in turn imply the probability of the governess being insane. 

The Turn of the Screw is absorbing, well paced and spooky. It sort of leaves an unsettling feeling lingering in the minds of the readers.

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