Carmilla

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

10007

Title

Carmilla

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the atmospheric Austrian Alps, this Gothic classic follows Laura, a young woman haunted by mysterious dreams and physical ailments after befriending the enigmatic Carmilla. As her health deteriorates and strange occurrences plague her home, Laura uncovers a terrifying truth about the nature of her companion and the ancient evil lurking in the shadows of the Karnstein castle.

Summary up to 500 words

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's *Carmilla* presents a narrative discovered years after the events, recounting the haunting experiences of Laura, a young woman living with her father and Madame at a remote Austrian estate. Laura's life is disrupted by the arrival of Carmilla, a captivating guest who quickly becomes her closest friend. However, Laura soon suffers from disturbing nightmares, a sensation of icy streams against her skin, and a throbbing pain near her throat. Her condition worsens until she is bedridden and terrified. Laura's father, a rational man of science, consults a doctor who discovers a small blue mark on Laura's neck, suggesting a supernatural affliction. Meanwhile, Laura's father receives a letter from General Spielsdorf, Carmilla's guardian, who has returned from a journey to the ruined castle of Karnstein. The General is furious, having lost his beloved niece to a "hellish" force. He reveals that Carmilla has been absent for days, walking in a trance-like state and leaving the house without unlocking doors. The General and Laura's father travel to Karnstein to investigate. There, they meet a local woodman and an eccentric Baron who guide them to the chapel of the Karnsteins. They discover the grave of Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, who died over a century prior. Upon opening the coffin, they find the body fresh, with open eyes and a beating heart, confirming the existence of a vampire. Following ancient law, the vampire is staked through the heart and beheaded, ending the plague that has plagued the region. The narrative concludes with Laura recounting the story to a friend, reflecting on the enduring terror of the experience. The text also includes an essay by a learned Doctor Hesselius, providing a scholarly context for the supernatural phenomena described, discussing the nature of vampires, their habits, and the historical evidence supporting their existence in regions like Styria and Moravia.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Romance
• Horror