Reviews

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

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jsdrown's review against another edition

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4.0

Far better than I expected. Every bit as enjoyable as Dracula.

akookieforyou's review against another edition

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3.0

*3.5*

“'I have been in love with no one, and never shall,' she whispered, 'unless it should be with you.'”

Since this novella came out before Dracula, and all of the vampire stories inspired by Bram Stoker's famous work, I was really intrigued to see what it would be like.

I have pretty mixed feelings. On one hand, I found some of the story elements and the interactions between Laura and Carmilla to be really interesting. And the scenes where Laura was being visited at night by the vampire were a little unsettling. But on the other, some parts dragged (even though it's so short), I think part of that had to do with the way some things were a tad over explained. I also felt that the ending left a little to be desired, everything wrapped up with the snap of one's fingers. Overall, I liked this novella, and I'm interested in looking at some of the adaptations.

sp1derfairy's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

for its simplicity, i really enjoyed this! i love queer vampires and i found carmilla’s character extremely tragic and i adore her complicated and unhealthy relationship with laura. i love the ways they loved each other or failed to.

hollybobs's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

effortlessly_uncool's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

kiracat13's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Sapphic and spooky, this novella was exactly what I hoped it would be. Always to be underestimated, Carmilla's appearance of youthful innocence makes her a far more convincing and successful monster than Dracula.