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A review by mmoonlight
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I wanted to read this one for a while now, and because I recently received a copy, I finally could.
While I did not particularly like any of the characters, I did enjoy the development of Laura and Carmilla's dynamic, the prose, the descriptions, and the feeling of suspense. Now I understand why Carmilla is such a groundbreaking work.
The only real complaint I have is that I expected something more complex when it comes to wrapping up the story. For example, more about Baron Vordenburg, whose appearance was really underwhelming, or for the final clash with Carmilla to be something bigger, something more striking and intense.
However, those aspects did not make me enjoy the novella any less. It was predictable and formulaic, as a lot of Gothic tales are, but I still found it entertaining.
Also, I have to say, I love the cover of the edition I was gifted, as well as the chosen fonts. Very pretty.
While I did not particularly like any of the characters, I did enjoy the development of Laura and Carmilla's dynamic, the prose, the descriptions, and the feeling of suspense. Now I understand why Carmilla is such a groundbreaking work.
The only real complaint I have is that I expected something more complex when it comes to wrapping up the story. For example, more about Baron Vordenburg, whose appearance was really underwhelming, or for the final clash with Carmilla to be something bigger, something more striking and intense.
However, those aspects did not make me enjoy the novella any less. It was predictable and formulaic, as a lot of Gothic tales are, but I still found it entertaining.
Also, I have to say, I love the cover of the edition I was gifted, as well as the chosen fonts. Very pretty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Classism