Carmilla

July 31, 2000
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.

This vampire thriller, which predates Bram Stoker's more famous DRACULA, gets a full-cast adaptation by British headliners. The narrative and dialogue are carried by Rose Leslie, who plays main character Laura, a Victorian teen who lives in relative seclusion on her family's estate until her father takes an ill young woman, Carmilla, under his protection. Leslie gives a passionate performance, conveying Laura's reluctance to tell her story of the borderline romantic attachment that quickly develops between her and Carmilla. Phoebe Fox's performance captures Carmilla's allure while also giving her a sense of menace that increases as her behavior becomes more erratic. Strong secondary characters, sound effects, and music round out the production, making for a brisk, dramatic listen and fine introduction to a tale worthy of more attention. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine