Season 1 Episode 11

Washington Square is a novel written by the renowned American author Henry James. James, born on April 15, 1843, is considered one of the greatest novelists in the English language, known for his intricate psychological portraits and keen observations of human relationships. "Washington Square," published in 1880, is a classic work that exemplifies James's literary craftsmanship.

The novel tells the story of Catherine Sloper, a plain and unassuming young woman who lives with her widowed father, Dr. Austin Sloper, in New York City's Washington Square. Catherine's father is a respected physician who is disappointed in his daughter's lack of beauty and social charm, often treating her with condescension and criticism. When Catherine falls in love with Morris Townsend, a handsome but penniless suitor, her father becomes suspicious of the young man's motives.

As the plot unfolds, "Washington Square" delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the power dynamics within familial relationships. The story revolves around Catherine's struggles to navigate her father's disapproval and Morris's intentions, questioning her own worth and desires along the way. The novel explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of choices made in the face of societal expectations.

The radio adaptation of "Washington Square" was presented through "The World's Great Novels," a radio program that aired in the mid-20th century. The series aimed to bring literary classics to a broader audience through dramatizations, allowing listeners to experience the stories through the medium of radio. "The World's Great Novels" provided an opportunity for listeners to engage with the richness of James's writing, as the adaptation captured the essence of the characters, their interactions, and the emotional depth of the novel.

With skilled voice actors and sound effects, "The World's Great Novels" breathed life into the world of "Washington Square," transporting listeners to the streets of New York City and immersing them in the complex relationships and dynamics of the characters. The radio adaptation showcased the enduring appeal of James's work, allowing audiences to appreciate his nuanced exploration of human psychology and the complexities of interpersonal connections.

Books in Sound is a free podcast series that presents a collection of hundreds of the world’s greatest books through the magic of the performing arts.

Different from audiobooks: Instead of having a single narrator read an audiobook, these performances have a full cast of actors, suitable background music, and special effects that help define the drama.

Most presentations are from old time radio theater broadcasts that have been remastered to remove most of the hissing, clicking and volume fluctuations. Many of the presentations are from the 1930's and 1940's, so a significant amount of work went into the remastering process.

Most presentations are about one hour, some are multiple hours, and some are abbreviated presentation that last about half an hour, making this series wonderful for bedtime stories, self-improvement by learning about literature, or simply as a very imaginative form of entertainment.

The episodes are not sequential, but we do recommend listening to the complete collection starting with the first episode so that you can grow and benefit from the wide assortment of styles and content.

For more information visit https://www.booksinsound.com