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3.06 AVERAGE
3.06 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Predictable, some interesting supernatural elements
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s absolutely essential if you choose to read this book to listen to the audiobook simultaneously. It fully heightens the experience to an enjoyable one. I thoroughly enjoyed this! I can understand why others might dislike it, particularly if they only read it (with their eyes) since the 18th century language is difficult to get in the rhythm of. But the audio helps immensely in providing context, suspense, and excitement.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Honestly I don't really get why this is considered gothic besides the fact that it's in a castle and there's a bad guy. It reads more like a Shakespearean comedy or romance and there is nothing at all spooky about it.
The introduction was interesting and offered historical context, which was helpful, but did not make the book itself any better. Disappointing if you're looking for a gothic story!
The introduction was interesting and offered historical context, which was helpful, but did not make the book itself any better. Disappointing if you're looking for a gothic story!
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-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
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the first gothic I’ve read and honestly I loved it. It’s so appealing and shows a side of romance but offers a complex array of family problems. It’s kind of like a gothic Romeo and Juliet but only one person dies in the end
The Castle of Otranto is believed by many to be the first true Gothic novel. Written in 1764, but set some 200 years before that, it relates the dastardly goings in the titular Italian castle, ruled by the bull-headed prince Manfred and his family.
It opens with the wedding of the Manfred’s son, Conrad, to the beautiful Isabella – a union encouraged by Manfred as he wishes to bind his own family to that of a rival claimant to his throne. But before the not-so-happy couple gets a chance to say “I do”, a giant helmet falls from the sky and clobbers poor Conrad stone dead (yes, a helmet – you’ll have to just go with it). Much wailing, fainting and gnashing of teeth ensues.
What follows is a convoluted story of moustache-twirlingly despicable deeds, supernatural messages from God, stabbings, secret passages, attempted maiden-deflowering and an awful lot of swooning. Throw in a talking skeleton and, of course, the giant helmet that appears as if by magic from the heavens, and you’re left with a tale that’s utterly mad and laughable but strangely compelling. Old Horace certainly knew how to keep his audience breathless with excitement and, provided you can get past the ridiculously flowery language and the more bizarre plot points, you’re sure to be enthralled.
I love old books like this, and love to imagine the thrill and shock people at the time might have felt when reading something which, to us, is wildly OTT and unbelievable. The Castle of Otranto reminded me a lot of that other Gothic staple – The Mysteries of Udolpho – only this cut out all the boring bits.
It opens with the wedding of the Manfred’s son, Conrad, to the beautiful Isabella – a union encouraged by Manfred as he wishes to bind his own family to that of a rival claimant to his throne. But before the not-so-happy couple gets a chance to say “I do”, a giant helmet falls from the sky and clobbers poor Conrad stone dead (yes, a helmet – you’ll have to just go with it). Much wailing, fainting and gnashing of teeth ensues.
What follows is a convoluted story of moustache-twirlingly despicable deeds, supernatural messages from God, stabbings, secret passages, attempted maiden-deflowering and an awful lot of swooning. Throw in a talking skeleton and, of course, the giant helmet that appears as if by magic from the heavens, and you’re left with a tale that’s utterly mad and laughable but strangely compelling. Old Horace certainly knew how to keep his audience breathless with excitement and, provided you can get past the ridiculously flowery language and the more bizarre plot points, you’re sure to be enthralled.
I love old books like this, and love to imagine the thrill and shock people at the time might have felt when reading something which, to us, is wildly OTT and unbelievable. The Castle of Otranto reminded me a lot of that other Gothic staple – The Mysteries of Udolpho – only this cut out all the boring bits.
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes