In a word - awful. Read like an absolute parody of a gothic horror story. Though I had to admire the author's ability to use 50 words when one would have done. And the ending was a complete squib. Frankly I'd rather read Poe. Gets the one star only for being short mercifully short. ( )

An incredible blend of Gothic and Realism, "Turn of the Screw" sends the reader into a tailspin, questioning what is real and what is moral. ( )

An incredible blend of Gothic and Realism, "Turn of the Screw" sends the reader into a tailspin, questioning what is real and what is moral. ( )

A young governess receives a position in which she will look after a girl and, when he is home from school, a boy without contacting their guardian uncle at all. The governess is nervous and sleep-deprived, but Flora and Miles seem to be perfect little children and everything goes smoothly - until the governess begins seeing ghosts who - she is certain - want her young charges.

*SPOILERS* The ambiguity of the story (are there really ghosts, or is the governess insane?) lends itself well to multiple readings and indeed I found my reading much changed this time around. I first read this short story for a college class, and found it is just as horrifying as a reread. This time, instead of being scared of the ghosts, I was more terrified by the governess herself - her strange turns of thought, her sudden adamance and certainty about the ghosts purpose even when no one else can see them, and finally the sinister ending. ( )

A difficult book to read, in that the prose is of a peculiar style. James is inclined towards lengthy sentences that are not the norm for the casual reader. At times you find yourself re-reading sentences to grasp the full meaning and at times, whilst doing this, you recognise the purpose of his method. It's subtle and it can be difficult but it is effective if the reader takes his time. I'm still not entirely sure of the entire plot and I feel I need to read it again but I still enjoyed it and know that once I conquer it completely it will be all the better.

The tale is of a governess, or nanny, who goes to look after two children out in the country. They have no parents and their guardian is a disaffected uncle who has little to do with them. There is mystery in the house; the children are haunted and yet perfect. An enigma. Our heroine unravels and she is blinded simultaneously and alternatively as the story proceeds.

The ending I am not yet sure about but the overall effect of the novel was one of success. It's a haunting book. James intended on creating a piece that would filln the void of 'really scarey and heart-shaking ghost-stories,' I believe - certainly for his time - he did not fail. ( )