Washington Square

One of James's more accessible novels, Washington Square tells of an American heiress whose martinet father frowns upon her one and only suitor. Here we can enjoy the subtle psychology and nuanced phrasing that later grew so complex as to baffle the casual reader. And enjoy it we do in John McDonough's sensitive interpretation. He perfectly captures the author's patrician manner, reading in appropriately measured tones that deliver every shade of subtext. As this is one of the first psychological novels, the heroine's personality is of paramount importance; McDonough's impersonation admirably captures her transition from shy insecurity to confirmed spinsterhood. Thanks to McDonough, the tape is an excellent introduction to a great American author. Y.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


This 1880 novel takes place in the New York society familiar to James from his childhood and is from the same period in his life that produced PORTRAIT OF A LADY. Here too he is concerned with the judgment, and fate, of a sheltered young lady of means who may not understand the true motives of the man who courts her. Catherine Sloper is the unexceptional, overdressed only child of Dr. Austin Sloper, who cannot believe that the attractive and shiny young Morris Townsend could be drawn by his daughter's charms alone, such as they are--and Dr. Sloper is a man of action. It's James at the top of his form, and Lloyd James reads effectively, if with an odd lack of energy. B.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine