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57 pages 1 hour read

Matthew Lewis

The Monk: A Romance

Matthew LewisFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1796

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Book Brief

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Matthew Lewis

The Monk

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1796
Book Details
Pages

431

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Madrid, Spain • 18th century

Publication Year

1796

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Monk follows the moral downfall of Ambrosio, a celebrated Capuchin monk in 18th-century Madrid, who becomes entangled in a web of deception, supernatural occurrences, and forbidden desires, ultimately leading to his complete spiritual ruin. The narrative intertwines his sinister journey with the romantic adventures of noblemen Don Lorenzo and Don Raymond. The book includes depictions of sexual assault and incest.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Matthew Lewis' The Monk is celebrated for its provocative themes and compelling Gothic elements, capturing readers with its dark and eerie narrative. While the vivid storytelling and intense atmosphere receive praises, some critics find its melodrama and moral ambiguity less appealing. This polarizing novel intrigues yet unsettles, making it a notable but controversial Gothic work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Monk?

Readers who enjoy gothic horror and dark, twisted tales will be captivated by Matthew Lewis's The Monk. With its themes of supernatural danger, corruption, and moral ambiguity, it appeals to fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Expect a blend of suspense, horror, and intense psychological drama.

Book Details
Pages

431

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Madrid, Spain • 18th century

Publication Year

1796

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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