A review by elwirax
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

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

3.5

'You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me.'

' It was like the ardor of a lover; it embarrassed me; it was hateful and yet over-powering; and with gloating eyes she drew me to her, and her hot lips traveled along my cheek in kisses; and she would whisper, almost in sobs, "You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever."'

I truly expected the writing style to be more difficult  but it was quite straightforward and enjoyable in that regard. I appreciate 'Carmilla' from a historical standpoint and as a classic in the vampire genre. 

That being said, while progressive in it's depiction of female sexuality, it is a product of its time. The tale, very much associates Carmilla's vampirism with lesbian attraction and thereby suggesting that female sexuality is something to be feared. It portrayed a ' predatory, lesbian vampire corrupts an innocent girl' type of story rather than the sapphic romance it is heralded as. 

There was some interesting political discussions like the abuses of the aristocracy and themes such as the fight between scientific rationalism and lingering superstitious beliefs. Unsurprisingly, there was also and instance of racism and many instances of classism that were unsavory. 

Overall, an interesting wee book but (unsurprisingly) flawed in many ways.
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