Cedricsmom
asked:
I just watched the Haunting of Bly Manor. I'm wondering how closely it comes to the novel? Bly Manor was pretty scary; major props to Henry James if he wrote a story that creepy way back when, but I doubt it was that good based on the number of reviewers who said they were bored stiff reading this book.
To answer questions about
The Turn of the Screw,
please sign up.
Alexandra Dolzhenko
I also read this book after crying my eyes out watching Bly Manor. In my opinion, there aren't many similarities between the stories. The only thing they had in common were the names of the major characters. I thought the book was underwhelming, I was missing the characters from The Haunting that weren't in the book, and even though there were only about 120 pages of the book, I thought the story could have much more in it than it did. But I think it's because I was biased and I was constantly looking for something to happen that happened in the show. So if you read it, try to keep an open mind and have no expectations, remembering that The Haunting of Bly Manor script combined several of Henry James's ghost stories, and wasn't solely based on The Turn of the Screw, but you probably won't succeed if you loved the show as much as I did and just looking to relive the story.
Holly
I agree with Alexandra, the names are the main similarity. Crucial parts of the plot and the ending are different. The relationships are closer in the show, whereas in the book things are more disconnected to create that horror vibe. Mrs. Grose and the governess have the strongest relationship in the book. (There's no Dani and Jamie, and there's no Owen.) Personally, as someone who enjoys those relationships between the characters, I prefer the show. I preferred the show's ending too.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more