Harry V. Keefe '39 Library Media Center, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu – 4.5/5 stars

Published in 1872
Genre : Gothic Horror

Reviewer : Sophia Vu | Class I

This book is available through the BPL. Order it today!

Before Dracula, there was Carmilla—a vampire tale drenched in mystery, desire, and slow-burning horror. Step into a world where beauty and terror intertwine, and nothing is as it seems. If you love eerie atmospheres, mysterious strangers, and a touch of the macabre, Carmilla is a must-read. This Gothic novella predates Dracula and delivers a chilling yet strangely intimate vampire tale with the story following Laura, a lonely young woman living in a remote and secluded castle, whose life changes when the enigmatic Carmilla comes into her world. Carmilla is captivating, beautiful, and strangely familiar—yet something about her is undeniably unsettling, although Laura is unsure what exactly it is. As their bond deepens, Laura experiences strange dreams, unexplained illness, and a creeping sense of dread.

What I loved most about Carmilla was its haunting, dreamlike quality. Le Fanu’s writing masterfully builds suspense, making the reader question what is real and what is simply an illusion. Carmilla herself is a fascinating character—both alluring and terrifying—making her one of the most memorable vampires in literature. The slow-burning tension along with the underlying themes of desire and predation add depth to the horror, making it more than just a simple vampire story, adding depth to all characters.

If I had to nitpick it, I would say that some parts of the narrative feel slightly repetitive, and the ending wraps up a bit too quickly compared to the slow, eerie buildup, so it gives the last stretch of a book a very rushed feel to it. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise captivating tale. 

I would recommend Carmilla to fans of classic horror, vampire fiction, and anyone who enjoys a good Gothic mystery. If you liked Dracula or The Picture of Dorian Gray, this book will definitely be up your alley. Enjoy your reading!!