Reviews

The Oxford Book of Victorian Ghost Stories by R.A. Gilbert, Michael Cox

krobart's review against another edition

3.0

See my review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/day-604-the-oxford-book-of-victorian-ghost-stories/

audreypalz's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Can't say this was my most enjoyable reading experience. Though that isn't entirely the book's fault. I read these stories all at once, probably not how they're meant to be consumed, because man do these start to feel repetative after a while, and also I got bad family news part of the way through the book that truly made it hard for my mind not to wander (harder than it already was, that is). All in all, the Victorians sure did love those spooky scary ghosts. (And taking forever to get to the point. I'm coming from a modern and impatient viewpoint here, but jeez.) 

rosalind_barden's review against another edition

5.0

I love old-style ghost stories, so had to pick this up when I saw it in the Huntington Gardens bookshop. Some stories I'd read in other collections, but most were new to me and I don't mind re-reading old favorites in any case. Perfect reading for a rainy evening, or when a sunny day simply does not fit your mood.

likecymbeline's review against another edition

5.0

Wonderfully creepy collection with a wide variety of the more high quality Victorian ghost stories. Particularly enjoyed "At Chrighton Abbey" by [a:Mary Elizabeth Braddon|45896|Mary Elizabeth Braddon|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1202597702p2/45896.jpg] and "An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street" by [a:J.S. Le Fanu|5784865|J.S. Le Fanu|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66-251a730d696018971ef4a443cdeaae05.jpg]. It's a really good book for its representation of many female authors.

maeby's review against another edition

will be finished later!!!!

crowyhead's review against another edition

4.0

Very good stuff. Nothing here that really chilled me to the bone in a "think about it late at night and get nervous" kind of way, but a good bunch of stories that also give some insight into the fears and concerns of Victorian society.

justasking27's review against another edition

4.0

A very good collection, perfect for reading by the fire. Most of these I've found in other collections, but there were a few new stories and many I'd forgotten.

j_squaredd's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

bronwen's review

4.0

In my opinion, what distinguishes this book from others of the kind is its brilliant introduction to the ghost story as a genre. It provided an answer to many questions I'd had and made the reading of some of the stories even more pleasant.
There is also a good selection of stories and my favourites include J.S. Le Fanu, Elizabeth Gaskell, M.R. James and Wilkie Collins.