Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le FanuMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've had this book on my Paperwhite TBR shelf for AGES. And because I was in the mood to read a shorter book, but definitely one on the creepy side, I thought of Carmilla. The vampire tale that came before Dracula.
The story is told by Laura, a lonely young woman who lives with her father and a bunch of servants. When her friend can't come and stay with her, it just so happens that an accident introduces a mysterious and beautiful woman into their home.
Carmilla is left in their care, and as soon as she arrives people in town start falling ill. Laura starts having strange dreams that Carmilla claims to be experiencing too. But all is not as it seems, and it doesn't take long for the truth to reveal itself...
Well, that was an excellent read! I quite enjoyed this book and was hooked from the beginning. The narrator tells her story, but included within what she shares are tales and the experiences of others.
There were so many ways this could have failed, but it didn't. And as much as the writing and descriptions bordered on too much in some places, everything totally worked. I got so caught up in Laura's story that I didn't want to put it down.
Not to mention that I got carried away by the spooky air of mystery, as well as the vivid description of the gothic location. There's a LOT to like about this book, and the vampire lore is another thing I enjoyed. Carmilla is beautiful and cunning, looks so innocent but is clearly keeping secrets. And doesn't really hide the fact that she is.
Oh, and the attraction/passion between Laura and Carmilla was so obvious. There was no denying that these two wanted to be together, even if Laura was often confused by her need. I loved the natural way Carmilla's sexual preference was presented. No one freaked out. No one judged. They just accepted this was happening and ultimately, the only reason Carmilla is suspected of anything is because she might be a bloodsucker.
I don't know why it took me so long to read this very excellent book, but I'm glad I finally did.
LOVE vampires. Always will. And this satisfied my vampiric craving. For now.
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