Great novella, great reading, censored text

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, but with a caveat: the text has been censored. The prologue, reported by "Dr. Hesselius" -- an occult scholar, a kind of proto-psychoanalyst ("Carmilla" lends itself well to a psychoanalytic reading) -- is missing; and an unpleasantly racist passage from chapter 3, a throwaway remark about a hideous companion of the mysterious women (unnecessary for the story, but necessary for an unabridged edition) has been cut.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Carmilla: A Vampyre Tale?

"Your mother warns you to beware of the assassin!" Mothers lurk on the edges of this tale, all of them vampires. Roger Vadim's take on this dream scene in his adaptation "Blood and Roses" is unforgettable (you can find the sequence online).

Which scene was your favorite?

Laura's first, childhood dream: creepy as hell. And of course, every scene where Carmilla is being languorous.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The very end, after the silly "alliance of fathers" (the weakest part of the novella) has done its job: "The following Spring my father took me a tour through Italy..." It is wonderfully ambivalent: "often from a reverie I have started, fancying I heard the light step of Carmilla at the drawing room door."

Any additional comments?

Megan Follows is the perfect reader for this, it's just sad that the text has been altered: minus one star overall for this.

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12 people found this helpful

Very Old, Very Dark, Very Good

Ok, So you have to remember, this story was written a long time BEFORE Bram Stoker, ever penned his now famous "Dracula". Which in my humble opinion, makes the tale even more intriguing.

Being in that "Carmilla" A Vampyre Tale" was written many, many, years ago. I found that, just like many stories written that era, used a dialect that says alot, without really being direct. In this tone, we find a faint lesbian undertone. Making the charater, Carmilla, that much more creepy.
If you love vampires, this is a must read.

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7 people found this helpful

Kept me listening right to the end.

The story rattles along with all the finesse of a bouncy coach ride through Transylvania. I was a little disappointed by the awkward ending -- a somewhat overblown "TA DA!" moment that was a foregone conclusion ten minutes in, but I suppose it may have something to do with when it was written. Still, not a bad addition to the genre for it's day, and the narrator did a nice job -- and sounded the right age -- which was very important to the tale.

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5 people found this helpful

Classic Vampire Story with Good Narration!

If you like classic ghost/horror stories, then Carmilla by J.S. Le Fanu is for you! The story is excellently narrated by Megan Follows, whose voice really brings the characters to life. At around 3 hours, it doesn't take long to get through, but it's well worth the money. Check it out!

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3 people found this helpful

The Real Thing!

I simply loved Carmilla, from the moment you begin listening you feel attracted to this story and you need to know how it unravels and then leaves you impressed.
You know the character "Carmilla" has to be something wicked but you can't stop the recording, is addictive and entertaining! A must listen for any vampire story lovers out there!

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1 person found this helpful

so boring I couldn't get through it

This tale has lots of atmosphere, but the storyline is absolutely stagnant. I stopped midway when I realized I was forcing myself to listen to it

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1 person found this helpful

simple and chilling.

I can see how the stories have evolved from this story. The mix of folklore and investigation really make the idea of vampires in that time realistic. Very good story. Buy it while it is on sale!

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent classic vampire tale

The narrator was a really good fit for Carmilla. Having heard a lot about the story, this wasn't exactly what I expected, but I enjoyed it overall!

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Well Narrated

Megan Follows does an excellent job of telling this story, a classic vampire story with lesbian undertones.

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Lovely Audiobook✨

I’m so glad this book is included in Audible’s membership! Would love to see more lesbian classics included as well☺️

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