A review by laurenelliza
The Monk by Matthew Lewis

5.0

The Monk is a disturbing and dark gothic with so many different interlocking subplots that come together to make such an engrossing story. This book is a really clear attack on catholicism but I think you can also read it through a feminist lens (even though I highly doubt Lewis meant for this…) - this book shows the absurdity of gender roles enforced by religion, and patriarchy’s negative influence on men through Ambrosio blaming Matilda/women for his own actions and desires. This was such a beautifully written book, but it really is like the 1700s equivalent of a reality tv show, it relies heavily on sensationalism that can make the book seem a bit goofy at times, but I think this makes an otherwise very dark story somehow lighter and endearing