I loved the re-imagined ending, although I’m fond of the original as well. These scenes are always handled well with a light and practised touch (although never in a flowery way), with a view to Laura’s delicate sensibilities and internalised homophobia. Carmilla by Le Fanu was pretty sensual for the time but this version ratchets it up a notch Carmilla and Laura bang as much as you’d expect from two horny teenagers living in a house where they have to keep their relationship secret from everyone else, which is to say, a lot (although Carmilla is not strictly a teen, being still several hundred years old). It keeps much of the gothic aspects of the original, the creeping horror and duality of desire and revulsion. Past rape, past miscarriage, past forced marriage, past suicide attempt.

I had opened myself to her in ways too wicked and divine to speak of.ĬW: canon-consistent homophobia (challenged in-text) and violence, brief references to

While the language is much more accessible and enjoyable, it retains the spirit of the original. It’s a long novella, around 25% longer than the original (40k or 160pp), retaining Laura’s first person pov and a framing device. Still set in 19th century Styria, Carmilla and Laura expands on the backstory/sideplots for both characters and re-imagines the ending for a modern audience. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves vampires, adores sweet historical romance, and/or who wants a delicious little snack of a book to while away an afternoon.I was planning to re-read the original Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, but ended up greatly enjoying this retelling. 'The writing is gorgeous, the story is enthralling, and the characters are lovable. Carmilla, the classic vampire novella written by J Sheridan LeFanu, receives new life in this gorgeous retelling, centered on the provocative, controversial leads of the original, Carmilla and Laura. But when a mysterious plague begins stealing the lives of young women in her home and the village beyond, Laura wrestles to reconcile the truth - that the gentle, fragile woman she loves may be a monster cast out of heaven. Attraction blossoms into a temptation Laura fears to name, a tantalizing passion burning brighter than the fires of hell. With charm unparalleled and habits as mysterious as her history, Carmilla's allure is undeniable, drawing Laura closer with every affectionate touch and word.

A chance accident brings a new companion, however - the eccentric and beautiful Carmilla. perfect for anyone who likes darker-themed romance, horror stories, or plain ol' lesbian vampires.' -The Lesbian 52 In the late 19th century, Laura lives a lonely life in a schloss by the forest, Styria, with only her doting father and two governesses for company.

Carmilla and laura sd simper