71 pages • 2 hours read
Wieland
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Book Brief
204
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 18th century
1798
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic horror novel written in an epistolary format, in which Clara Wieland recounts the eerie events leading up to the deaths of her brother Theodore, his wife Catherine, and their children after experiencing disembodied voices and mysterious apparitions on their estate. The book explores themes of mental illness, delusion, and supernatural phenomena.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,262 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland is praised for its pioneering role in American Gothic literature, with a gripping and eerie narrative that delves into psychological horror. However, some critics note its convoluted plot and archaic language can be challenging for modern readers. Overall, it's a seminal work marked by vivid suspense and moral complexity.
Who Should Read Wieland?
Fans of gothic novels and psychological horror who appreciate classic literature with intricate plots will enjoy Charles Brockden Brown's Wieland. Readers who admire the suspenseful nature of works like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Edgar Allan Poe's tales will find this novel compelling for its exploration of madness and early American settings.
2,262 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
204
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 18th century
1798
Adult
18+ years
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