I read this after finishing The Monk to see which gothic classic would handle the tale of priestly corruption better. Apparently neither author was great at condensing their plotline (both feel quite overpadded at 400 pages), but there are certain things that Anne Radcliffe can do better than Matthew Lewis, such as describing Italian landscapes, providing interior characterization, and not sensationalizing sexual assault. Ultimately though because of its drama and theatricality, Lewis’ story remains the more memorable of the two. Radcliffe argues that she is writing the more psychologically sophisticated genre of “terror,” but her style of suspense seems too restrained to really terrify a modern reader. Lewis, operating in the realm of horror, was more capable of interesting me because there is something horrifying about awful people committing brutal violent acts. Thank you for attending my TedTalk. ( )

Would be very much surprised if this novel did not directly or indirectly influence the first three Star Wars movies (from the 1980s). Can be a bit tedious in places, but then suddenly Radcliffe springs a plot twist on her reader and you're off again. The Inquisition scene really needs to be staged in order to be followed--too many characters, too much chaos. I think this is probably her best novel (that I've read(. ( )

Read for a graduate seminar on Romantic Era Women Writers at CU Boulder.

I'd give this novel 3.5 stars, if such an option existed. As is, I'm rounding up!

I love how intricate the plot of this Gothic romance is - there really isn't a dull moment and the foreshadowing is not at all as obvious as it appears. That said - I could do without the excessive exclamation points (Perhaps Jay Anson was an avid reader of Radcliffe!) or the excessive exultations of the numerous servants/guides throughout the novel to which the main characters frequently failed to listen. As a plot device, I found that pretty weak - admittedly because my 21st Century sentiments were a bit vexed at the prospect of action moving forward because the rich guy ignored the poor guy.

That said - I'd recommend giving this one a read at some point in your life. ( )

Read for a graduate seminar on Romantic Era Women Writers at CU Boulder.

I'd give this novel 3.5 stars, if such an option existed. As is, I'm rounding up!

I love how intricate the plot of this Gothic romance is - there really isn't a dull moment and the foreshadowing is not at all as obvious as it appears. That said - I could do without the excessive exclamation points (Perhaps Jay Anson was an avid reader of Radcliffe!) or the excessive exultations of the numerous servants/guides throughout the novel to which the main characters frequently failed to listen. As a plot device, I found that pretty weak - admittedly because my 21st Century sentiments were a bit vexed at the prospect of action moving forward because the rich guy ignored the poor guy.

That said - I'd recommend giving this one a read at some point in your life. ( )

Less well-known than The Mysteries of Udolpho even though it is in some ways the better book, this is a classic Gothic romance. One of the founders of the genre, Radcliffe is well worth reading if you are interested in the best of what late eighteenth century literature has to offer. ( )