From Publishers Weekly
HGenerally acknowledged as a major influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula, this novel, originally published in 1872, is the very first vampire thriller. Le Fanu, often compared to Poe, was a Victorian writer whose tales of the occult have inspired horror writers for more than a century. Seemingly by happenstance, the mysterious and beautiful Carmilla comes to stay with the young and virtuous Laura. Laura, who has been living a lonely existence with her father in an isolated castle, finds herself enchanted with her exotic visitor. As the two become close friends, however, Laura dreams of nocturnal visitations and begins to lose her physical strength. Through much investigation, the gruesome truth about Carmilla and her family is revealed. Though the basic premise of the story, that of evil targeting pure innocence, is familiar to anyone who is vampire savvy, this haunting tale is surprisingly fresh, avoids clich? and builds well to its climax. Particularly interesting are the sexual overtones that develop between the two women. Follows's reading is flawless. In particular, her ability to capture Laura's na?vet? so convincingly will have listeners feeling almost as shocked as Laura as the unwholesome truth unravels. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The appearance of a young and beautiful houseguest jolts young Laura into remembering what may or may not have been a childhood nightmare. Strangely, her visitor, Carmilla, has exactly the same recollection. As Laura's health wanes throughout the visit, Carmilla's vivacity grows. Who would guess she's been dead for over 150 years? Megan Follows's dark and dramatic reading of this vampire classic complements the text perfectly. Refraining from characterization, she recounts Le Fanu's tale from Laura's horrified perspective, vividly illuminating her early relationship with Carmilla, colored by the clarity of retrospection, as the story is recalled later in Laura's life. Follows's voice shudders with disgust at Carmilla's evil, as do her listeners. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
