What Maisie Knew

By: Henry James

Narrated by: Flo Gibson

Shunted between warring and neglectful divorced parents and caring governesses and step-parents, little Maisie lives in a bewildering world in this heart-rending novel.©1990 Audio Book Contractors, Inc. (P)1990 Audio Book Contractors, Inc.

enjoyable second reading

Having struggled once through Henry James's late prose style in What Maisie Knew, I appreciated it a lot more the second time with the help of Flo Gibson's recording. This is the only audio of this book that I have been able to find, and Gibson's style works pretty well here, although it is sing-songy and monotonous at times. I often went back to read sections I had heard to better pick up the humor and nuances. The sound quality is not great; a few words here and there are inaudible.

Fine late James

This book is a masterfully and uncannily astute and deep look into the mind of a child as she observes and is battered by the world of adults. James' deftly delicate treatment the story is moving and enchanting at the same time.

A+

Anyone interested in children, parenthood, selfishness, or personality should read this book. Henry James is obviously one of the most empathetic storytellers in English, as well as one of the most honest. Flo Gibson's narration is perfect.