Carmilla, Deluxe Edition: The cult classic that inspired Dracula
A beautifully produced edition of the ORIGINAL vampire story -- predating Dracula by more than 25 years -- with a stunning iconic cover + thoughtful design and layout to ensure the most seductive reading experience... "What Carmilla lacks in sophistication -- with a reveal so laughably obvious it's actually charming -- it makes up for with its surprisingly gentle, nonjudgmental depiction of Sapphic longing. Does Carmilla want to drain her tender new young friend? Yes! But she feels bad about it, and it's that exploration of obsessive first love being both exciting and monstrous that makes this story perfect for Y.A. readers, even if it predates the young adult category by many decades." -- Kiersten White, the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein and Hide Steeped in the sexual tension between two young women, this is a beautiful, brand-new edition of the original cult classic which influenced Dracula and all the vampire stories that followed, including Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. In an isolated castle deep in the Austrian forest, teenaged Laura leads a solitary life with only her father, attendant and tutor for company. Until one moonlit night, a horse-drawn carriage crashes into view, carrying an unexpected guest -- the beautiful Carmilla. So begins a feverish friendship between Laura and her entrancing new companion, one defined by mysterious happenings and infused with an implicit but undeniable eroticism. As Carmilla becomes increasingly strange and volatile, prone to eerie nocturnal wanderings, Laura finds herself tormented by nightmares and growing weaker by the day...
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Community Reviews
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu is an exquisite masterpiece that effortlessly weaves together elements of gothic horror and romance. This mesmerizing novella captured my imagination from the very first page and held me captive until the haunting conclusion. Le Fanu's atmospheric prose creates a chilling backdrop for the story, immersing readers in a world of dark secrets and supernatural allure.
The characters in Carmilla are beautifully crafted and deeply intriguing. The enigmatic Carmilla herself is a captivating figure, simultaneously alluring and unsettling. Le Fanu skillfully explores themes of desire, obsession, and forbidden love through her complex relationships with other characters, creating a sense of tension and unease that lingers throughout the narrative.
One aspect that truly sets Carmilla apart is its exploration of female sexuality and the boundaries of societal norms. Le Fanu's depiction of the intimate relationship between Carmilla and the protagonist Laura is remarkably bold for its time, challenging conventional expectations and adding an additional layer of complexity to the story.
Overall, Carmilla is a literary gem that deserves its status as a classic of gothic fiction. Le Fanu's evocative writing, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes combine to create a haunting tale that will stay with me long after reading. If you appreciate atmospheric storytelling and a blend of horror and romance, this book is an absolute must-read. Five stars simply aren't enough to do justice to this extraordinary work.
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