As I get older, it seems James becomes less enjoyable. Then again, starting this book off with "The Turn of the Screw," which is so hilariously uptight even I failed to be scared, probably influences things in negative fashion. ( )

Closer to 3.5 but I'll round up since I'm a philistine who doesn't know good literature. The Turn of the Screw I surprisingly didn't really enjoy that much - the last story, The Jolly Corner, I actually thought was creepier - but there were little bits to everything that I kind of liked. I'm happy to go the rest of my life without trying to parse one of James's insane, interminable sentences though. ( )

I know I'm *supposed* to like this, but it never really clicked for me. I just think I've read better and one can do better. But to each their own. Not recommended. ( )

The Turn of the Screw contains four short stories that all focus on the psychological development of the characters. Emotions, feelings, and perceptions are far more important to James than action and events are. The title story is about two children and their governess who are haunted by the ghosts of their former governess and a servant. The Pupil is about a tutor and his student and their relationship with the student's parents. The Tree of Knowledge is about an artist's relationship with his best friend, wife, and son, all of whom understand that the artist is not a success. The Figure in the Carpet is about a man and his two friends' quest to discover the secret meaning behind an author's works.

While I admit that Henry James is a great author who has made significant contributions to literature, he's just not my cup of tea. I don't think I've really enjoyed anything I've read by him to date. For quality of the book, I have to give him 4 stars, but for how much I personally enjoyed the book, I have to go with 2 stars. ( )

If you like the Turn of the screw, consider listening to Britten's opera on the same. ( )