Carmilla, Deluxe Edition: The cult classic that inspired Dracula
A stunning hardcover edition of the original vampire story that inspired Dracula—now with a haunting art deco design, vibrant red foil, and thoughtful layout for a seductive reading experience
Sapphic longing meets gothic horror in this “exploration of obsessive first love [as] both exciting and monstrous . . . perfect for YA readers” and adult fans of Anne Rice (Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author).
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...
Sapphic longing meets gothic horror in this “exploration of obsessive first love [as] both exciting and monstrous . . . perfect for YA readers” and adult fans of Anne Rice (Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author).
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
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Before Dracula, there was Carmilla, a femme fatale whose taste is seductive and inclined towards the female flesh.
Written in 1872, Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu is considered the original vampire story “steeped in the sexual tension between two young women and gothic romance.” (Puskin Press)
Storytelling
Let me begin by saying how disappointed I am that it took me so long to read this novel. I live for the gothic. I even took a course on it twice! Gothic literature is one of my favorite genres, and, to be frank, I don’t read enough of it.
I loved the storytelling. It begins as a third-person account of everything that happened between Laura and Carmilla, acknowledging that they do not know if their story is true.
Taking readers to the outskirts of Austria, to an isolated castle, the mist and cold weather suck the reader into the story. Le Fanu did an excellent job of creating the atmosphere here. It is the perfect place for a character to meet a vampire. And when Carmilla comes crashing into her life, the story is even more engaging.
There is an immediate attraction between the girls. Although Laura remarks upon her beauty on more than one occasion and Carmilla’s attention to her, the reservations she sometimes shows for being what she is highlights the mutuality of it.
There is also unease in the story—a mystery to be solved. Carmilla’s mother leaves her to feed and goes on ahead. She gives Laura a time and set of rules that Carmilla cannot speak of her past. The unease settles on the reader. Soon the oddities of Carmilla begin to add together to form that o of a dangerous hunter.
Final Thoughts
A short and quick novel, Carmilla is perfect for Dracula fans focusing on a deadly femme fatale.
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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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