Gothic Tales

by Elizabeth Gaskell
Gothic Tales cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Gothic
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  • ID: 7690
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780140437416
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2000-08-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Elizabeth Gaskell, known for her insightful portrayals of middle-class life and Victorian social issues, delves into the darker side of human nature in her collection of Gothic Tales. These nine spine-tingling stories feature elements like a mysterious child living on freezing moors and a doppelganger brought to life by a bitter curse, all set against the backdrop of ordinary life. /n/n Gaskell's fascination with the dualities in women's lives and the tyranny men wield is evident in these tales, as she explores themes of revenge and the merging of fact and fiction. The abrupt appearance of the supernatural in the most ordinary settings adds an extra layer of intrigue, highlighting human frailties and the havoc they can cause.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-16
entertaining 3.00

In general, the endings of most of Gaskell's stories feel quite rushed. Even so, this is a great collection of her gothic stories and is worth reading.

The reviewer notes that while the endings of Gaskell's stories in this collection can feel rushed, the overall impact is still positive. They find the collection to be a great introduction to Gaskell's Gothic tales, appreciating the suspense and horror elements. The reviewer recommends reading it late at night, especially around Halloween, to fully enjoy the eerie atmosphere. Despite the rushed endings, the stories are entertaining and well-developed.

Quick quotes

    In general, the endings of most of Gaskell's stories feel quite rushed.

    This is a great collection of her gothic stories and I'll recommend reading it late at night near Halloween.

    Entertaining, nothing too profound.

Monster Librarian · Monster Librarian · 2019-03-12
useful 4.00

Gothic Tales has a useful, if lengthy, introduction, with notes and suggested reading, and additional notes in the back for reference. The collection is a great addition to any Gothic fiction lover's library.

Monster Librarian appreciates the thorough introduction and additional notes provided in this collection, which enhance the reading experience. They find the tales to be a great addition to any Gothic fiction lover's library, noting that the stories are well-crafted and atmospheric. The reviewer highlights the usefulness of the notes and suggested reading for those interested in delving deeper into Gaskell's work and the Gothic genre. Overall, they recommend this collection for its rich content and helpful references.

Quick quotes

    Gothic Tales has a useful, if lengthy, introduction, with notes and suggested reading, and additional notes in the back for reference.

    The collection is a great addition to any Gothic fiction lover's library.

    Well-crafted and atmospheric tales.

What Cathy Read Next · Cathy · 2018-10-31
chilling 3.50

Elizabeth Gaskell's chilling Gothic tales blend the real and the supernatural to eerie, compelling effect. The stories are atmospheric and well-crafted, making them a great choice for fans of classic Gothic fiction.

Cathy's review highlights how Gaskell's tales masterfully blend the real and the supernatural, creating an eerie and compelling atmosphere. She appreciates the well-crafted stories and the chilling effect they have on the reader. Cathy recommends these tales to fans of classic Gothic fiction, noting that they are perfect for reading on a dark, stormy night. The collection is a great introduction to Gaskell's work and showcases her talent for creating suspense and tension.

Quick quotes

    Elizabeth Gaskell's chilling Gothic tales blend the real and the supernatural to eerie, compelling effect.

    The stories are atmospheric and well-crafted, making them a great choice for fans of classic Gothic fiction.

    Perfect for reading on a dark, stormy night.

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