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themysteriousshow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Child death and Misogyny
friendofmarlowe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence, and Sexual harassment
cyandelirium's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
With that new perspective on mind, this story is suddenly a lot more enjoyable, where you just gotta roll with the punches and enjoy the ride.
It's a fascinating read to see how much Gothic romances have evolved, yet remained the same, since the og. The atmosphere and setting was really well set up with its long winding secret passageways and haunting castles.
The plot twists are also absurdly fun, even if the characters are all so frustrating and irritating to read. I'm surprised not to have heard or seen any notable theatre adaptations of this, because I feel like this could be a really fun play. Especially with all the servants' dialogue. -- Actually, all of the dialogue in this story is great.
Then, googling more about Walpole I have also learnt to appreciate the themes of the story more. Truly fascinating the way these characters and their motivations, wants and fears parallel Walpole's life.
Wouldn't reread, but pls hit me up when they need someone put on this play lol.
Minor: Incest, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Stalking, and Murder
angie11290's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Sexism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Misogyny, Blood, Trafficking, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
zahrowl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, and Murder
filipa_maia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In some parts is very confusing, a lot of characters with weird intentions and very melodramatic.
Overall, this book was not amazing but it was entertaining.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
thewellbitch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Misogyny
raoulalexander's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment
coolfijiwater's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Infertility
readwithbells's review against another edition
3.75
Boring and misogynistic and just a bad story lol. It gets half a star for starting with a giant helmet crushing someone - top tier supernatural event. If you don’t have to read this, don’t.
Also the audiobook on Spotify is absolutely hilarious in how bad it is.
___
Updated Review after reading for gothics class
Ok idk why I hated this the first time I read it but it is anything but boring. This is an absolutely chaotic and wild ride that reads like a soap opera. There’s gigantic ghosts and curses and prophecies and a lot of hilarious “we are related” reveals. I do 100% still agree with myself that Walpole has never met a woman in real life (apart from possibly a servant woman because Bianca is the best character) but honestly this is a romp. Go in with minimal expectations (and read it physically do NOT read an audiobook you will miss all the sneaky lil references) and I think you’ll have a good time.
Read a second time for Romantic Period Gothic Fiction and Revolution.
Graphic: Child death and Misogyny
Minor: Rape