A review by cathryn75
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe

4.0

I have much respect for Radcliffe for launching the gothic into popular literature. Considering she has never been to France or Italy, her writing was beautiful in how she described the scenery and portrayed the characters. This was quintessential gothic with the stormy romance, mysterious gothic castle, and family secrets. There was a quite lengthy buildup in the first volume. There isn’t anything spooky, so this isn’t gothic horror in genre. As the story progressed, I could tell how much influence Udolpho had on other authors. That was fun for my experience as a gothic fan. While reading I found it funny how many times I saw fortitude used and how many times she fainted. Fortitude and fainting seem contradictory yet, I suppose, that’s my takeaway from this esteemed gothic classic.