I understand that for this story to work there is got to be a sense of isolation in regards to the house and the children. The problem with the former is how much suspension of disbelief is needed in order to buy into the premise. The problem I had with the novel is twofold: the complications that stem from the contemporary setting and the narrative itself. Those letters are the narrative mode of this epistolary novel. The uncle also doesn’t allow internet, TV or phone, in order to protect the children from the “corrupting influences of modern society and culture.” So Jack’s only means of communications with the outside world are his letters to his girlfriend Sophie and his father. Jack has been hired by the children’s uncle who does not want to not be bothered by any news about them.
He is to take care of two orphaned children, Miles and Flora, at the only house on an isolated island where the two children live with a housekeeper.
Jack is a high school senior who needs to save money for college and as such, has accepted a summer position as a babysitter. The Turning is a poorly-executed attempt at retelling Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. Why did I read this book: This is a contemporary retelling in epistolary format of The Turn of the Screw and it seemed like a good pick for this Halloween Week. How did I get this book: I got a review copy at BEA Where does reality end and insanity begin? The Turn of the Screw reinvented for modern-day teens, by National Book Award finalist Francine Prose. He knows what he sees, and he isn’t crazy…Or is he? As secrets are revealed and darker truths surface, Jack desperately struggles to maintain a grip on reality. The problem is, he’s the only who can see them. Soon he is feeling terribly isolated and alone, but then he discovers there are others. He immediately senses something sinister-and it’s not just the creepy black house he’s living in. Jack is babysitting for the summer on an isolated island with no Wi-Fi, no cell service, and no one else around but a housekeeper and two very peculiar children.
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