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A review by dellydoos
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
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.
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