The Aspern Papers, Henry James
The Aspern Papers, Henry James
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The Aspern Papers

Author: Henry James

Narrator: David Thorn

Unabridged: 4 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/20/2014


Synopsis

Henry James’ acclaimed suspense novelSet in a crumbling Venetian villa, The Aspern Papers is the story of an American editor’s determination to acquire a collection of unpublished letters … at any cost. The letters were written by the editor’s favorite Romantic poet, Jeffrey Asper, to his mistress.In hopes of gaining access to the letters, he presents himself to the now elderly mistress, Miss Bordereau, who lives a modest existence in a dilapidated old palazzo. Posing as a prospective lodger, he introduces himself to Miss Bordereau and begins courting her spinster niece, Tina. As the editor’s obsessive mission leads him into increasingly unscrupulous behavior, he finds that his desire can be obtained only at the price of his honor. A brilliant work of psychological fiction, The Aspern Papers is Henry James at his most suspenseful.

About Henry James

Henry James (1843-1916) was an American author and master of literary realism. He split his time between America and Europe, eventually settling in England. Consequently, his novels are known for their interactions between American and European characters. He was one first American novelists to explore first-person consciousness and perception.

About David Thorn

David Thorn spent his childhood in the Channel Islands off the coast of France, was schooled in England, and then immigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-three. He is retired from international commerce and currently resides in California.


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Quotes

The Aspern Papers is haunted by the specter of past and future consummations, both achieved and desired, sexual and literary.” Guardian (London)

“The narrator…experiences a sense of mystical fraternity with the spirit of Aspern, who he believes has ‘returned to earth to assure me he regarded the affair as his own no less than as mine’…At the close of the tale he is forced to seek consolation in the portrait of his deceased hero; however, his final words…illustrate the extent of his disillusionment and frustration.” Dr. Claire Seymour, University of Tokyo