29 pages • 58 minutes read
Carmilla
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Book Brief
78
Novella • Fiction
Styria, Austria • 19th century
2012
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu is a Gothic novella where Laura, a young woman, recounts her relationship with Carmilla, who is later revealed to be a vampire. Their intense bond forms after Carmilla's carriage crashes near Laura's castle. Mysterious deaths ensue, and Laura falls ill under Carmilla's influence, ultimately leading to the discovery of Carmilla's true nature and her destruction. The book includes descriptions of illness and death.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
131,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Le Fanu's Carmilla is lauded for its pioneering role in vampire literature and captivating atmospheric tension. The novella's rich gothic imagery and compelling, suspenseful narrative receive high praise. However, some critics note its pacing issues and uneven character development. Despite these flaws, Carmilla remains a significant and influential work in the horror genre.
Who Should Read Carmilla?
A reader who enjoys Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu likely appreciates Gothic horror, vampire lore, and Victorian-era literature. Fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will find similar themes of eerie suspense and supernatural intrigue. Carmilla delivers a haunting narrative with rich, atmospheric storytelling.
131,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Carmilla
Carmilla
A mysterious and beguiling young woman who forms an intense connection with Laura. Her presence evokes both fascination and fear.
Laura’s Father
Laura’s Father
An elderly English gentleman living with his daughter Laura in Styria, he is well-meaning but skeptical of supernatural occurrences.
General Spielsdorf
General Spielsdorf
A neighbor who is driven by a personal vendetta against Carmilla, seeking to protect others from the same fate as his niece.
Baron Vordenburg
Baron Vordenburg
An eccentric individual with a deep knowledge of vampirism, motivated by a familial obligation to uncover Carmilla's past.
Carmilla’s Mother
Carmilla’s Mother
A persuasive and commanding figure who arranges her daughter's stay with unsuspecting families, weaving intricate stories to achieve her goals.
78
Novella • Fiction
Styria, Austria • 19th century
2012
Adult
16+ years
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