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krobart's review against another edition
2.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/day-569-the-castle-of-wolfenbach/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/day-569-the-castle-of-wolfenbach/
thebookboy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 because it's hilarious even though I definitely don't think it was trying to be.
eososray's review
3.0
This is the first of the 'Horrid Novels' mentioned in [b:Northanger Abbey|50398|Northanger Abbey|Jane Austen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388201718s/50398.jpg|4039699] that I have read (Udolpho not technically being one of them). I did not think it was particularly horrid, it was a lot more moralistic than anything else. Long suffering and abused women are urged to be even more long suffering and they will be rewarded, they are urged to forgive and be virtuous, and wouldn't you know it, everything turns out in their favour at the end and their tormentors all confess and repent.
The book also has a very strong patriotic bend and wouldn't you know it, England is the best country in the world. It has the best justice system, the most beautiful ladies and the most generous populous. If they could just organize their charities a little better and the rich gave up late nights and gambling, there would be nothing else to improve. A very highly amusing point of view.
I also found the oft stated opinion that our heroine must be of high birth and nobility because of her honourable character, good manners and beautiful comportment rather funny. She could not have been of mean birth because her beauty and manners were so far above those of lesser rank and standing. Such a naive idea but it must have appealed to the romantic sensibilities of the era.
Despite of (or maybe because of) all the above, I liked the book. It's a fast read and should be be read with a satirical frame of mind for best enjoyment.
The book also has a very strong patriotic bend and wouldn't you know it, England is the best country in the world. It has the best justice system, the most beautiful ladies and the most generous populous. If they could just organize their charities a little better and the rich gave up late nights and gambling, there would be nothing else to improve. A very highly amusing point of view.
I also found the oft stated opinion that our heroine must be of high birth and nobility because of her honourable character, good manners and beautiful comportment rather funny. She could not have been of mean birth because her beauty and manners were so far above those of lesser rank and standing. Such a naive idea but it must have appealed to the romantic sensibilities of the era.
Despite of (or maybe because of) all the above, I liked the book. It's a fast read and should be be read with a satirical frame of mind for best enjoyment.
jamiezaccaria's review against another edition
3.0
I can see why this was such a hit when it came out. I love gothic stories and the atmosphere is perfect. It did drag on a bit, especially with the two stories happening at the same time and I felt there were way too many convenient random nice people but overall, a fun tale.
gingercatreads's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
bookslovejenna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
izzy502's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
stw07's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Wow what an adventure. This book is pure gothic chaos. The middle section got a little slow, but the plot twists and reveals at the start and end of the book were absolutely wild. But even aside from the plot, the characters were well-written and likable too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Classism and Gaslighting
Minor: Child death, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, and Incest
Victim blaming and abused women being put in positions where they had to talk to their abusers and listen to their side of the story and such bullshit.sunnybopeep's review
4.0
I am a stupid and simple girl. I like gothic novels with lots of fainting, drama, and evil men. For having so many characters, I thought they were all pretty well-developed. I also thought there was a good mix of different personalities in this one. Bonus points for the story being surprisingly dark and eXXXtra chaotic.👩🍳
Me reading this book: 😭🤢👀🤬🤯🏴☠️👏💖
Me reading this book: 😭🤢👀🤬🤯🏴☠️👏💖