Carmilla

by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Carmilla cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 1864
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9788027221332
  • Publisher: e-artnow
  • Published: 2017-10-06
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £3.99–£7.99

Carmilla is a haunting narrative told from the perspective of a young woman who falls prey to the enigmatic and alluring Carmilla, later revealed to be Mircalla, Countess Karnstein. The story is presented as part of the casebook of Dr. Hesselius, a pioneering occult doctor in literature, adding a layer of medical intrigue to the supernatural horror. /n/n Sheridan Le Fanu's masterpiece is one of the earliest works of vampire fiction, influencing countless adaptations in film and other media. As a leading ghost-story writer of the nineteenth century, Le Fanu's work is central to the development of the Gothic genre in the Victorian era, earning praise from notable figures like M. R. James.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2022-12-28
vibrant 4.75

A must-read for lovers of Gothic fiction and vampire horror, the novella remains vibrant and engaging despite its age. It's a classic that continues to captivate readers.

This reviewer recommends Carmilla as a must-read for anyone interested in Gothic fiction and vampire horror. They highlight the novella's enduring appeal and vibrant storytelling, which continues to captivate readers even today. The reviewer appreciates the classic nature of the work and its significant influence on the genre. They also note that the story's atmosphere and suspense make it a compelling read that stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Carmilla is a must-read for lovers of Gothic fiction and vampire horror.

    Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novella is somehow just as vibrant and engaging today as it was when it was first published.

    The eerie and lyrical prose adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.

Ruined Chapel · 2021-10-30
haunting 4.50

The story is suspenseful and atmospheric, with a haunting quality that sets the tone for future vampire tales. It's a concentrated version of the tropes seen in Dracula.

This reviewer found Carmilla to be a gripping and atmospheric read, full of suspense and a haunting quality that makes it a standout in the vampire genre. They appreciate how it predates Dracula and sets the stage for many of the tropes we now associate with vampire stories. The reviewer highlights the concentrated nature of the narrative, making it a more intense and focused experience compared to later works. They also note the eerie and suspenseful scenes that make the story unforgettable.

Quick quotes

    It's a suspenseful, atmospheric and haunting story.

    All the tropes are there that we recognize from Dracula, but in a much more concentrated and intense form.

    The scenes in which Laura is being targeted by the vampire are fantastic.

She Reads Novels · 2021-09-06
favorite 5.00

This is their favorite vampire story, praised for its intensity and the removal of dull elements found in other works. The lesbian subtext adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

The reviewer declares Carmilla as their favorite vampire story of all time, highlighting its intensity and the absence of dull moments that often plague other vampire narratives. They appreciate the story's focus and the added layer of complexity brought by the lesbian subtext, which they find intriguing and well-integrated into the plot. The reviewer also notes that Carmilla feels like a more concentrated and engaging read compared to Dracula, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is my favourite vampire story of all time!

    It's like Dracula with all the dull bits removed.

    I bet the whole lesbian thing was pretty shocking for the time.

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