Carmilla
Publisher Description
The classic vampire story by the best writer of supernatural fiction ever. Made into innumerable movies. The erotic imagery and lesbian undertones ensure that it has never been out of print.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
HGenerally acknowledged as a major influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula, this novel, originally published in 1872, is the very first vampire thriller. Le Fanu, often compared to Poe, was a Victorian writer whose tales of the occult have inspired horror writers for more than a century. Seemingly by happenstance, the mysterious and beautiful Carmilla comes to stay with the young and virtuous Laura. Laura, who has been living a lonely existence with her father in an isolated castle, finds herself enchanted with her exotic visitor. As the two become close friends, however, Laura dreams of nocturnal visitations and begins to lose her physical strength. Through much investigation, the gruesome truth about Carmilla and her family is revealed. Though the basic premise of the story, that of evil targeting pure innocence, is familiar to anyone who is vampire savvy, this haunting tale is surprisingly fresh, avoids clich and builds well to its climax. Particularly interesting are the sexual overtones that develop between the two women. Follows's reading is flawless. In particular, her ability to capture Laura's na vet so convincingly will have listeners feeling almost as shocked as Laura as the unwholesome truth unravels.
Customer Reviews
Great original
This was the inspiration to Dracula no doubt and it shows. I liked the focused version through one character and predictable ending albeit well told.
Carmilla
I enjoyed the book. Nothing like the movie but good nonetheless.
Strong start
Carmilla starts out pretty strong, the first roughly two thirds of the book set up a lot of intriguing little questions and I enjoyed reading about the development of the narrator and the titular Carmilla’s relationship. The last six or so chapters seem to just kind of brush most of that off to the side before what feels like a both a padded out and rushed ending.