Le Tour d'écrou
by Henry James
- First published 1970
- 143 pages
- French
- Classic
A young governess arrives at a secluded English country estate, Bly, tasked with caring for two orphaned children, Flora and Miles. Their uncle, a distant figure, has given her complete authority and one strict instruction: never to bother him. Amidst the idyllic setting and the children's initial charm, an unsettling atmosphere begins to emerge. The governess soon perceives spectral figures haunting the grounds, which she identifies as the former governess, Miss Jessel, and a valet, Peter Quint, both deceased. She becomes convinced these malevolent presences seek to corrupt the innocent children in her charge.
As unexplained events escalate and the children's behavior grows increasingly ambiguous, the governess confronts a battle between what she believes to be supernatural evil and the profound mystery of their complicity. This gothic novella blurs the lines between reality and delusion, leaving the reader to discern the true nature of the haunting and the reliability of the narrator. The enduring ambiguity and psychological depth of "The Turn of the Screw" compel readers to grapple with its unsettling questions long after the final page.
As unexplained events escalate and the children's behavior grows increasingly ambiguous, the governess confronts a battle between what she believes to be supernatural evil and the profound mystery of their complicity. This gothic novella blurs the lines between reality and delusion, leaving the reader to discern the true nature of the haunting and the reliability of the narrator. The enduring ambiguity and psychological depth of "The Turn of the Screw" compel readers to grapple with its unsettling questions long after the final page.
What readers say
3.38
189K ratings across the web 4 in 10 readers loved it, 2 didn't like it
Many readers praise "The Turn of the Screw" for its masterful use of ambiguity, which allows for multiple interpretations of events and characters. This deliberate vagueness is often highlighted as a key strength, inviting readers to deeply engage with the text and form their own conclusions about what truly transpires. The novella is also lauded for its profound psychological depth, presenting a compelling study of the human mind and the interplay of perception, reality, and potential delusion. Its atmospheric and gothic elements are frequently admired, creating a pervasive sense of unease and mystery that has made it a highly influential work in the horror and gothic literature genres, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Conversely, a significant portion of readers express frustration with the book's writing style, describing it as overly wordy, convoluted, and at times, difficult to follow. This elaborate prose, while intended by some to build atmosphere, is seen by others as ponderous and an impediment to enjoyment. The very ambiguity that some celebrate is a source of irritation for others, who desire clearer motivations for characters and a more definitive plot. Some reviewers found the story lacking in conventional scares or a palpable sense of dread, leading to boredom or a feeling of being unsatisfied, especially for those expecting a straightforward ghost story with clear supernatural manifestations.
Overall, "The Turn of the Screw" remains a polarizing yet undeniably significant work of literature. Its enduring influence on gothic and psychological fiction is widely acknowledged, making it a valuable read for those interested in literary history and critical analysis. It is highly recommended for readers who appreciate deep psychological studies, enjoy dissecting ambiguous narratives, and are comfortable with a complex, ornate prose style. However, those seeking a fast-paced, explicit horror story with clear answers, or who prefer a more direct and accessible writing style, may find this classic novella challenging or unfulfilling.
Conversely, a significant portion of readers express frustration with the book's writing style, describing it as overly wordy, convoluted, and at times, difficult to follow. This elaborate prose, while intended by some to build atmosphere, is seen by others as ponderous and an impediment to enjoyment. The very ambiguity that some celebrate is a source of irritation for others, who desire clearer motivations for characters and a more definitive plot. Some reviewers found the story lacking in conventional scares or a palpable sense of dread, leading to boredom or a feeling of being unsatisfied, especially for those expecting a straightforward ghost story with clear supernatural manifestations.
Overall, "The Turn of the Screw" remains a polarizing yet undeniably significant work of literature. Its enduring influence on gothic and psychological fiction is widely acknowledged, making it a valuable read for those interested in literary history and critical analysis. It is highly recommended for readers who appreciate deep psychological studies, enjoy dissecting ambiguous narratives, and are comfortable with a complex, ornate prose style. However, those seeking a fast-paced, explicit horror story with clear answers, or who prefer a more direct and accessible writing style, may find this classic novella challenging or unfulfilling.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017
- ISBN
- 9781545036983
- Language
- French
Original edition The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories Originally published in 1970 · English · Penguin Books, Limited
Other editions (1790)
- Independently published · 2017
- Faber & Faber, Limited · 2013
- Audio Language Studs, Canada · 1988
- Independently published · 2020
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform · 2018
- Moorside Press · 2013
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform · 2016
- Independently published · 2020
- First Avenue Editions · 2016
- Reprint Services Corp · 2013