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A review by dylan_loves_classics
Washington Square by Henry James
4.0
This was a perfect introduction to Henry James; apparently, James had a rather low opinion of this novel later in life, but I found a lot to love.
At its core, Washington Square is a classic plot set-up told extremely well: A young woman wants to marry against her father's wishes, drama ensues. What really set this one apart for me was the acute psychological insight James used to draw his four key characters. All of them felt real (especially Dr. Sloper), but there were still plenty of ambiguities and blank spots to keep me thinking.
James's mellifluous (have to use a Jamesian word) prose is a delight throughout, so I'm very excited to explore his subsequent novels, and how his style evolved.
At its core, Washington Square is a classic plot set-up told extremely well: A young woman wants to marry against her father's wishes, drama ensues. What really set this one apart for me was the acute psychological insight James used to draw his four key characters. All of them felt real (especially Dr. Sloper), but there were still plenty of ambiguities and blank spots to keep me thinking.
James's mellifluous (have to use a Jamesian word) prose is a delight throughout, so I'm very excited to explore his subsequent novels, and how his style evolved.