Carmilla

Description

The story follows Laura, a lonely young woman living in a secluded castle in Styria, who forms a close bond with the enigmatic and alluring Carmilla. As their friendship deepens, strange events unfold—illnesses spread, dreams disturb, and shadows stalk the night. Laura senses something unnatural in her companion but feels emotionally entangled, torn between suspicion and affection. Le Fanu captured this tension with psychological nuance and gothic suspense, immersing the reader in dread and uncertainty.

As the truth about Carmilla gradually emerges, the story reveals her as a vampire who feeds on young women and maintains her immortality through deception and charm. Le Fanu never relied solely on shock or gore; instead, he built unease through suggestion and atmosphere. The novella critiques Victorian fears of sexuality and otherness, presenting Carmilla not just as a monster, but also as a figure of tragic seduction. This subtle complexity has made Carmilla a lasting subject of literary analysis and adaptation.