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Liked It “Carmilla by Sheridan LeFanu is one of the pioneering books in the modern horror genre. A simple cursory read will tell even the least astute reader that this is undoubtedly where fellow Irishman Bram Stoker lifted major elements of his own seminal work, Dracula which has ironically enough spawned...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Carmilla by Sheridan LeFanu is one of the pioneering books in the modern horror genre. A simple cursory read will tell even the least astute reader that this is undoubtedly where fellow Irishman Bram Stoker lifted major elements of his own seminal work, Dracula which has ironically enough spawned more imitators than any other character in literature. That said, there is still much to be said for reading Carmilla which is a more simplified story and lacks some might say the depth and intricacy, but it's my personal feeling that really good bone chilling horror isn't necessarily about depth or intricacy, but speaks to the simple and the primal in all of us. If you agree, then their is much to be said for Carmilla as the superior work, because as all horror enthusiasts and Dakota Fanning fans know compared to a creepy little girl, some eurotrash ponce in a tuxedo suit doesn't really hold a candle. If you are a fan of classic horror lit, then Carmilla is a must read and will definately have you locking your window before you go to sleep. I would also suggest if you are a true afficianado reading Carmilla as part of LeFanu's larger work "In a Glass Darkly" which holds numerous macabre gems which I always refer to as Poe with prose.”
Lance R wrote this review Tuesday, September 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Ma-ra-vi-lho-so”
Marina wrote this review Sunday, July 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very baroque writing style - not quite what I'm used to reading in my leisure, but it was somewhat amusing with all those stereotypical "Gasp!" factors you might expect from a Victorian horror writer. As a predecessor to Braham Stroker, it was worthwhile to check out for any vampire junkie. As a story in and of itself, it wasn't all that spectacular, though I'm sure it was the cats pajamas in its day.”
Melissa S wrote this review Wednesday, May 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Carmilla, the book which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, is a shorter, more feminine and delicate work than that later masterpiece.
pebble garden wrote this review Friday, November 21 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Both books are laden with repressed Victorian sexuality, but Carmilla fairly drips with implied lesbianism, and as such must have been quite shocking for its day.
Also, whereas Count Dracula is thoroughly frightening, Carmilla is undeniably alluring despite her predations. This makes her a more complex and nuanced character than the more-famous Count. Part of the lasting shock suffered by the heroine is due to her yearning to go where lovely Carmilla beckoned, even if it cost her life.
I strongly recommend the librivox.org audio recording of this book. It is read masterfully by Elizabeth Klett, and it can be downloaded for free and enjoyed on any mp3 player.”
“Very similar to the Evil Guest, this vampire story focuses much less on vampire lore and more intensely on the inability of people to escape the influence, beauty, and charisma of the villain. In this way, you can see the influence of this story on Tod Browning's movie with Bela Lugosi. ”
Jim E wrote this review Saturday, July 5 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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