Reviews with content warning for Violence - Carmilla

First of all, if you choose to read this (and I think you should), I must insist you read the version edited by Carmen Maria Machado. And don’t skip the introduction! It provides the necessary insight to understand the significance of the text. I found this to be a very accessible classic. It’s eerie, mysterious, and gothic and if you like literary vampires at all, it’s a must read. This story wasn't quite Le Fanu’s own, and In the words of CMM: “Once Veronika’s excised letters are restored to the record, the dimensions of the story become clearer; a young woman’s sexual awakening;

the senseless slaughter of her supposed defiler.

The ecclesiastics and doctors and fathers and uncles and barons and vampire hunters look less like well-intentioned protectors against a supernatural evil; their own accounts become highly suspect.”

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crushedvelvet's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

Sheridan Le Fanu's Carmilla was made in a lab for me. The intersection of death, mystery, & lesbianism & the push-pull of attraction & abject terror... It's a new favorite for sure. Like any other classic its language is at times verbose & meandering. I also can't say the characters or prose left much impression on me (save for the titular Carmilla). They all moved fixedly in service of the plot. More like marionettes than fully realized people. Regardless, its a worthwhile read for any vampire enthusiasts out there.

Glad they removed the misogynoir from this edition as well!

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takarakei's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

I highly recommend this version of Carmilla edited by Carmen Maria Machado who provides much needed historical context in the introduction and with footnotes throughout. It's also a beautiful edition with a few illustrations.

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