70 pages • 2 hours read
The Mysteries of Udolpho
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Book Brief
654
Novel • Fiction
France • 1580s
1794
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mysteries of Udolpho follows the journey of Emily St. Aubert, a 20-year-old Frenchwoman who, after being orphaned, becomes the charge of her aunt. Her aunt's new husband, Montoni, separates Emily from her love, Valancourt, and confines her to the mysterious and dark Castle of Udolpho. Amidst supernatural incidents and psychological terror, Emily must navigate these challenges, uncover rational explanations, and ultimately regain her happiness and autonomy. Includes themes of imprisonment, forced marriage, and psychological distress.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Melancholic
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
16,454 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho is celebrated for its rich, atmospheric descriptions and its pioneering role in Gothic fiction. However, readers note its slow pacing and lengthy, sometimes repetitive passages. While some appreciate the intricate plot and emotional depth, others find the character development lacking. Overall, it remains a seminal work in Gothic literature.
Who Should Read The Mysteries of Udolpho?
A reader who enjoys The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe likely appreciates Gothic fiction, rich atmospheric settings, and intricate plots blending romance and suspense. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights may find this novel particularly captivating for its emotional depth and haunting mysteries.
16,454 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Valancourt
Valancourt
A handsome and chivalrous young man characterized by his passion and sensitivity, he shares a deep bond with Emily and is noted for his charitable nature.
M. St. Aubert
M. St. Aubert
Emily’s father, a sensitive and intellectual man who values nature and solitude, he plays a crucial role in shaping Emily’s character through his teachings.
M. Montoni
M. Montoni
An unscrupulous and violent man who poses significant challenges and threats to Emily, embodying the Gothic villain archetype.
Signora Laurentini/ Sister Agnes
Signora Laurentini/ Sister Agnes
A mysterious and elusive figure whose past and actions ignite much of the novel’s intrigue, her story is tightly interwoven with the novel’s deeper themes.
654
Novel • Fiction
France • 1580s
1794
Adult
18+ years
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