Another twist.
Published in 1898, Another twist is the best known and most talked about work of the prolific author and literary critic Henry James. It is a novel of ghosts and ghosts in the most faithful style of "traditional" gothic stories. But with a sum of new and innovative elements that leave readers as surprised as they are satisfied.
The writer is one of the best exponents of literary perspectivism. In fact, it takes this concept to the limit. It is almost impossible to do a review of this novella without revealing some details of the plot (popularly known as spoilers). Although in this case, knowing some aspects in advance does not make many differences.
About the author, Henry James
It is one of the most important names in Anglo-Saxon literature of realism and modernism. For many, Another twist —Despite its year of launch — it formally marks the starting point of the modernist movement. Which, dominated the letters in the English language during the first half of the XNUMXth century.
Henry james He was born in New York on April 15, 1843, into a well-off family. His father, longing for his children to discover the world through their own eyes, sent him to study in Europe. He was based in Paris and then in London. In this last metropolis he would spend most of his life.
Discreet habits
His texts have been on the lips of many readers since their appearance. Nevertheless, the sales generated were not enough for James to live with ease. However, this did not prevent him from attending uninterruptedly the high circles of the European bourgeoisie, mainly the British.
According to what the author himself confessed, the best arguments were obtained by "snooping." In other words, by listening frequently to common conversations in the upper echelons of England, the American author finished polishing certain aspects of his work.
"Nobody is a prophet in their own land"
In the United States, during the first two decades of the XNUMXth century, his writings did not arouse much enthusiasm among critics. However - beyond literary considerations - the analyzes used to be too subjective. Well, basically they were complaints towards the writer for his decision to live as an expatriate.
British at the end
Just before he died, came the confirming chapter of James's break with his country of birth. When British was nationalized in 1915 in protest after the United States' decision not to join the Allies during the Great War. In retaliation, during the years after his death, their books practically disappeared from the shelves from American bookstores.
Henry James.
Currently, the literary work of Henry James is usually valued more objectively, but the "reconciliation" with the American nation is still far from complete. As hard as it is to understand There are still sectors within “the union” that are opposed to granting it merits. So much so that they have come to dismiss him as another "cold" English writer.
Analysis of Another twist
You can buy the novel here: Another twist
The title of this novel is a statement of principles. His story spins the literature of horror and supernatural mysteries in such a way that what is apparently normal is no longer so. In essence, is a book with a dark and gothic plot, set in a gloomy Victorian mansion on the outskirts of London, surrounded by thick forests.
To complete the cocktail, among the characters are a couple of ghosts, figures whose "life records" are stained by unforgivable sins. Specifically, the capital fault would have been to give in to the temptation of the flesh ... unscrupulous sex (a common theme in James, causing more animosity).
Nothing is what it seems?
The protagonists of Another twist they are a couple of "innocent" children (Flora and Miles). Which, at the time, represented a rare twist. Similarly, a development full of ghosts, dead, and sex was a "too strong" combination. Thus, for most readers and literary critics of his time, it was not an easy plot to digest.
In any case, the really innovative aspect of James is his use of perspective. Where the narration of the story is focused solely on the character of a governess (in charge of taking care of the aforementioned children). Then, the readers (and even the characters) have exclusively the experiences of this 20-year-old girl to unveil the mysteries.
An unreliable narrator
James poses to his readers an inescapable dilemma, which, depending on the conclusion reached by each person, will influence the final interpretation given to the story. In this sense, the point that raises more questions is that only the governess can see the ghosts and ghosts. Do paranormal events really happen or is it all in this woman's head?
Henry James quote.
Additionally, one of the supporting characters, a very naive and kind-hearted housekeeper, is petrified by the supernatural events of the mansion. Certainly this maid never witnesses any ghostly apparitions. Namely, his fear is based solely on the terror originated by listening to the stories of the young teacher.
Prohibited attraction
To add further questioning to the figure of the young and beautiful governess, she is irresistibly attracted to the uncle of the protagonists. Who also acts as legal guardian following the death of the biological parents of the children.
At this point, a twenty-something with these kinds of emotions - described at times more as a lustful attraction than a platonic feeling - is enough to doubt her good judgment. The sum of these and other elements arouses the doubts of the readers.
A transcendental work in every rule
James develops his story directly, in contrast to the predominant style in the bulk of his narration. Therefore, descriptions are limited to providing details related to the setting, but without gloating. Where the (terrifying) emotions transmitted by the governess maintain and magnify the tension page by page.
Even those people who have not read Another twist, surely they have come across some work directly or indirectly influenced for this story. Among the abundant film adaptations, there is one whose atmosphere perfectly reflects the environment created by James: The other (2001) by Alejandro Amenábar.