29 pages • 58 minutes read
Joseph Sheridan le FanuCarmilla
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu is a Gothic novella where Laura, a young woman, recounts her relationship with Carmilla, who is later revealed to be a vampire. Their intense bond forms after Carmilla's carriage crashes near Laura's castle. Mysterious deaths ensue, and Laura falls ill under Carmilla's influence, ultimately leading to the discovery of Carmilla's true nature and her destruction. The book includes descriptions of illness and death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Le Fanu's Carmilla is lauded for its pioneering role in vampire literature and captivating atmospheric tension. The novella's rich gothic imagery and compelling, suspenseful narrative receive high praise. However, some critics note its pacing issues and uneven character development. Despite these flaws, Carmilla remains a significant and influential work in the horror genre.
Who Should Read Carmilla?
A reader who enjoys Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu likely appreciates Gothic horror, vampire lore, and Victorian-era literature. Fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will find similar themes of eerie suspense and supernatural intrigue. Carmilla delivers a haunting narrative with rich, atmospheric storytelling.