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A review by dantalion_xi
The Italian by Ann Radcliffe
5.0
I make it a point no to read an author's masterpiece first, if I can.
The Italian paid off, in this sense.
I am informed that many of Radcliffe novels resemble each other, and I was draw to this by the plot.
There is everything you expect from a Gothic novel: a difficult love story, ruined castles, apparitions, ruined churches, kidnappings, ruined houses, beautiful forests, ruins, and so on.
The style is, of course, verbose, but beautiful enough to excuse that.
The protagonists are not so different from your usual Renzo and Lucia (you will excuse my reference to Manzoni's "The Betrothed" here), but I particularly liked the determination with which both of them face the adversities.
I should say, however, that it's the villain who steals the scene.
The plot revolving around his action and his identity is the clou of the novel, and impressed in my memory forever. His own morals are challenged time and again, making him a well rounded character.
Recommended read!
The Italian paid off, in this sense.
I am informed that many of Radcliffe novels resemble each other, and I was draw to this by the plot.
There is everything you expect from a Gothic novel: a difficult love story, ruined castles, apparitions, ruined churches, kidnappings, ruined houses, beautiful forests, ruins, and so on.
The style is, of course, verbose, but beautiful enough to excuse that.
The protagonists are not so different from your usual Renzo and Lucia (you will excuse my reference to Manzoni's "The Betrothed" here), but I particularly liked the determination with which both of them face the adversities.
I should say, however, that it's the villain who steals the scene.
The plot revolving around his action and his identity is the clou of the novel, and impressed in my memory forever. His own morals are challenged time and again, making him a well rounded character.
Recommended read!