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A review by moominess
A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book exemplifies what makes early Gothic literature so entertaining to read.
In A Sicilian Romance, Ann Radcliffe takes the reader on a winding journey full of frankly, batshit coincidences, heart pounding mysteries and beautiful descriptions typical of the Gothic.
Is the plot contrived and characters lacking in some complexity? Yes. But for the period, the agency Julia is written to have and how active a character she is was refreshing, rather than being a typical damsel in distress.
If you enjoy the tropes characteristic of Gothic lit, this book will undoubtedly be a fun time for you. But, if you can't get behind the contrivances and didactic "Virtue and goodness prevails" sentiment then you might want to give this one a miss.
In A Sicilian Romance, Ann Radcliffe takes the reader on a winding journey full of frankly, batshit coincidences, heart pounding mysteries and beautiful descriptions typical of the Gothic.
Is the plot contrived and characters lacking in some complexity? Yes. But for the period, the agency Julia is written to have and how active a character she is was refreshing, rather than being a typical damsel in distress.
If you enjoy the tropes characteristic of Gothic lit, this book will undoubtedly be a fun time for you. But, if you can't get behind the contrivances and didactic "Virtue and goodness prevails" sentiment then you might want to give this one a miss.