The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

When you read this story, you begin by thinking "it's a ghost story." As the reader immerses him/herself into the story, he/she realizes that it is not just a ghost story. It is far more complex. The novella is full of ambiguities and leaves the reader wondering what the heck is going on. There are several conversations that are not clear, or full and several topics that are just left hanging there with no care as to whether or not the issue is resolved. Once you begin to really analyze the novella, in hopes to clarify a few things, you find yourself asking more and more questions. The book has two main arguments - are the ghosts real? or are the ghosts figments of the governess' imagination. Every piece of evidence that proves one also disproves the other, which is what makes this novella so fascinating. If you are one who cannot accept cliffhanger endings or needs closure, this is not a book for you; but if you enjoy the complex, the obscure, and the unknown, this is an excellent novella to read.