“Carmilla, the book which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, is a shorter, more feminine and delicate work than that later masterpiece.
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.”
