Carmilla

by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Carmilla cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Gothic
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  • ID: 1864
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9788027221332
  • Publisher: e-artnow
  • Published: 2017-10-06
  • Formats: 8
  • Reviews: 4

Carmilla is a Gothic novella narrated by a young woman who finds herself haunted by a female vampire named Carmilla. The story is presented as part of the casebook of Dr. Hesselius, an occult doctor who challenges medical orthodoxy. This early work of vampire fiction, written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, is a seminal piece in the genre and has been widely anthologized and adapted. Le Fanu, a leading ghost-story writer of the nineteenth century, is celebrated for his contributions to Gothic literature. M. R. James praised Le Fanu as one of the finest writers of ghost stories, highlighting his significant impact on the Victorian era's literary landscape. The novella delves into themes of supernatural horror and psychological suspense, with Carmilla's enigmatic and predatory nature creating a sense of dread and intrigue. The story's exploration of the occult and its departure from conventional medical explanations make it a unique and enduring piece of literature. Carmilla's influence on subsequent vampire fiction is undeniable, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
Amazing Stories · Matt · 2024-07-19
standout 4.25

The story is enjoyable for its historical feeling and gothic atmosphere, making it a standout piece of classic literature. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective and the enduring appeal of the novella.

Matt thoroughly enjoyed Carmilla for its historical feeling and gothic atmosphere, which he found to be a standout feature of the novella. He appreciates the unique perspective and the enduring appeal of the story, noting that it offers a fresh take on classic themes. The reviewer also highlights the novella's ability to captivate readers with its suspenseful and atmospheric narrative, making it a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction.

Quick quotes

    I thoroughly enjoyed it for the story itself, and for the historical feeling of the book.

    I have not read a lot of classic gothic literature, but this felt like a standout piece.

    The unique perspective and the enduring appeal of the novella make it a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction.

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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