Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

13 reviews

_n_m_'s review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Lesbophobia

rainbowrocky's review against another edition

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book must've blown minds in 19th century Ireland. I can see why it's a literary classic. I loved it a lot even if the characters are a bit one dimensional. It's more about the atmosphere, the looming threat of death. We know what's happening to Laura, but she hasn't the faintest idea since she's so innocent. Spoilers:

Carmilla's death was a bit of a let down. I thought we were building to something more shocking but her death was over so quickly and unceremoniously.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Blood, Cannibalism, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Ableism

Minor: Violence and Classism

riverofhorton's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced

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

4.75

I loved 95% of this book, and will be coming back to it in the future.

One of the things I especially liked was that the lesbian relationship was incredibly obvious, but none of the characters seemed to have much a problem with it, despite the cultural attitudes of the time this book was published.

I only wish it were longer and gave more detail on the time they spent together, though I do understand this is intended to be read as a letter to the reader.

The only bit I don't like is the implications around the "vision" that starts the book.

Laura, the narrator, is 6 at the time this vision happens, which involves the (by that point) 150+ year old Carmilla being very intimate with her. Carmilla does later say that for her side of the vision, she saw Laura as an 18 year old not a 6 year old, but it still weirded me out to think about it.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic

chanlo1994's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

This book is interesting, considering the time period it was written in. Carmilla is a must read for someone who is looking to understand the history of modern vampire lore. I also like THIS edition because the author adds an informative preface regarding the inspiration for Carmilla. She makes it an easy read for us modern folk.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Gaslighting

dellydoos's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Predating the infamous Dracula and his tale, Carmilla may not be widely recognized, yet its value and significance still should demand your attention. This was a great little novel. Lesbian vampires, set in a historical Germanic/French setting, hello? What a slay. 

The atmospheric narrative, narrated in the first person, drew me into the world of Laura and Carmilla, establishing a captivating dynamic. This book was the embodiment of the old gothic horror, black forests, abandoned churches, remote mansions, it was all so perfectly eerie. 
The unfolding tale masterfully explored the complexities of desire and danger, woven into the fabric of a bygone era. The historical backdrop added an extra layer of intrigue, giving life to the haunting setting. 

However, the brevity of the novella, clocking in at a swift 100 pages, did pose some challenges. The plot unfolded rapidly, occasionally leaving me grappling to fully comprehend the swift and mysterious events. While the sparse yet atmospheric descriptions contributed to the novel's charm, I found myself yearning for more detail to enrich the storytelling. The use of old-timey language, though generally fitting for the setting, at times created a barrier, making it challenging to fully grasp the implied meanings conveyed by the characters.

The setup and interplay between Laura and Carmilla stood out as highlights, but the lack of character development or arcs was noticeable. The narrative remained primarily plot-driven, with the characters serving as instruments to propel the story forward. In the end, Carmilla provided an engaging yet somewhat elusive reading experience, earning it a solid 3/5 stars.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault and Stalking

maddramaqueen's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Ableism, Racism, Sexual assault, Suicide, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic

ronan_lesh's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, and Grief

Minor: Suicide

jelliestars's review against another edition

dark 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

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Racism, Blood, Medical content, and Lesbophobia

Minor: Child death, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, and Grief

jojo_'s review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Incest, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Medical content, Lesbophobia, and Classism

tajosima's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

Loved this! Loved the drama! How dramatic our main character was while being naïve, but not in a way that made her insufferable. She was this way because she was protected by her father and because she was spoiled but also because she was a woman at this time. how everything evolved, the atmosphere around it.. *chefs kiss*

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault and Gaslighting