Henry James presents us a very short story, but however very intriguing from the very beginning. I have to say that even though the language might be a little outdated, it feels that this could be a current ghost story, as the classic elements are there, fear and isolation.
What do you think is going on with the governess? Could she be overloaded with stress and responsibility for the children? Is there something really dark in this story that shocks you? Can you sleep well after reading it or do you see some ghosts as well?
I am finding the language and narrative style not easy to read, and I need to be quite focus on the book to really get what is going on in every sentence and paragraph (so intense). I guess that is why, even if it is a short story, it has taken me some extra time to finish the first part. However, at this point, half of the book, the story gets more intriguing (and I have gotten used to the style) so I am eager to learn what happens next. I think it is strange how the governess faces the fact that she is seeing ghosts, but what I find really creepy is the attitude of the kids and the relationship between them and the governess, as described by the governess herself.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to read your comment, Macarena! I was feeling uneasy about the book, thinking I was thick!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that at the beginning I was not even sure that I was understanding the story correctly, so I looked at the Spanish version. Even in my mother tongue, every phrase took all my energy and attention. Amazing writing style.
The kids give me the creeps. They are spooky.
And what about Mrs. Grose? Don't you feel there is something wrong with her…too?
ReplyDeleteThere is something wrong with everyone there, I swear, how about the governess and her strange feelings?? I don't trust anyone in this story...
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