How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Not applicable
Advantages:
First of its kind . .
Disadvantages:
Was written well over 200 years ago . .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Castle of Otranto is touted as being the first gothic novel written in English. It was first released in 1764. The novel was originally sent out as a gift and claimed to be a translation of an Italian novel. Apparently this was a common tactic at the time so that if your novel was detested you could claim no fault.
The use of gothic style when writing is considered as an authors attack on all that is the culture of the 18th century. The use of exotic locations, dysfunctional families and the aristocrats, for example, are considered as a revolt against society. The lack of realism in gothic stories goes against nature and the use of the uncanny and focusing on ones emotions, rather than reason - revolts against reason. A style that many detest, such as William Wordsworth who spoke against the fantastic writings and firmly stuck to writing things (somewhat like as Mark Darcy says to Bridget Jones) "just as they are". The pen of course being mightier than the sword, must have had them shaking in their boots! And the start of it all, The Castle of Otranto, has it all!
The novel starts with a death... and not just any death! Conrad, the son of the castle is about to get married and mysteriously dies from a crashing helmet. And of course its not just any helmet, the former owner of the castles, who was much beloved and mysteriously disappeared.. it was his helmet. The grooms father, who was marrying the son off for political reasons, decides that with the blushing bride (Isabella) free to marry then he should cast his hat in the ring and wed the lucky thing. And by cast his hat in the ring? I do mean, cast aside his current and rather devoted wife and force himself on the poor young thing. Who just so happens to be much younger, around the age of his daughter, and quite friendly with said wife and daughter. Naturally she flees.. and events ensue from there. Things that go bump in the night, a hero who seems one way but oh my gosh - he is another.. more death, more revelations, a giant wandering the castle, a trapdoor, an ancient prophecy and someone returning from the dead!
At the time the spooky and supernatural events of the novel were considered quite scary and thrilling. To read it these days it's nothing that, seemingly to us, hasn't been done before. But remember, this was the first!
The adventures of Prince Manfred (the father) and company certainly do entertain, but it's an easy novel with a somewhat predictable ending. But again it must be pointed out that this was not so at the time (of its release) for which it must be admired. Hipolita; his wife is a devoted simpering fool if you ask me (and since you are reading my review it means you did ask me). The self centered, over bearing Manfred is willing to cast his long term and dutiful wife aside in a split second for a younger, and more connected version. Daughter of Hipolita and Manfred, Matilda, by all accounts a cracking and most well behaved young lady that any father would be proud of, is ignored by Manfred. My father would fall over backwards with glee if I was even half as well behaved and devoted as young Matilda. She, despite everything that her foolish Father does, remains steadfastly devoted. The much sought after Isabella shows a bit of courage and is seemingly the only female with any guts! She runs from Manfred's advances, hides and fights for her freedom. What would a gothic novel be without a hero? The hero of this tale, Theodore, we first meet when he helps the fleeing Isabella. But then we wonder what is Theodore's connection to poor old Father Jerome, who is under Manfred's thumb.. ?? Intrigue, intrgue..
I found the story a bit of a drudge at the end, but still did want to follow through to be sure of the ending. Its interesting to read simply for what it is, and imagining a time when this was a shocker of a release whose merit was much argued over. For the naysayers of the time? The might want to check out every gothic novel that has followed since! Plots, settings, fantastic moments were all set from this novel.. think the Anne Rice Vampire novels, Dracula, Frankenstein.. exotic locations, superstition, sexual intrigue, horror, dynastic disorders, the contrast to Augustine values (reason, society and nature), dark and dreary atmospheres, religious tones, damsels in distress.. yes it all had to come from somewhere! And the answer is right here.
The boring little facts; I managed to buy this for $3 from a book store. That's a new copy! Its listed as ₤2.50 in the UK. I have the Dover Thrift Edition which comes with not only an introduction, but a second introduction by Sir Walter Scott. This is then followed by a preface to the first edition.. which is then followed by a preface to the second edition! This is mostly just information on Walpole himself and the gothic style. The story itself is only something along the lines of 70 pages so a quick little read.
I'm hoping my review does not come across as hodge podge as Walpole's gothic style house "castle" Strawberry hill? Probably not, it would be quite the challenge. The author of the Castle of Otranto, Horace Walpole, changed his mind repeatedly whilst decorating this villa in the gothic style "Strawberry Hill" over the years. The place stands today and you can check it out at, well of course, Strawberry Hill. Walpole was a busy man. Not only did he write "Castle of" he had a printing press, which interestingly he didn't publish "Castle of" on at Strawberry Hill. His prolific letter writing left behind an insight into the time and he was also an Earl and held a political seat.
As often is the case Ciao seems to have this a bit confused.. this isnt an audio review (though there are audio versions available).. just substitute "listen" for "read". I also based my responses on reading it in the now.. so while i say the story is simply satisfactory, i feel a bit of guilt! I did say it wasnt comparable to others because at the time.. well there was no comparison! I do definately think its worth a read, its not going to take up much of your time and it is truly interesting for what it is.. Friends of Strawberry Hill http://www.friendsofstrawberryhill.org/
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