In an isolated castle deep in the Austrian forest, Laura leads a solitary life with only her ailing father for company. Until one moonlit night, a horse-drawn carriage crashes into view, carrying an unexpected guest – the beautiful Carmilla. So begins a feverish friendship between Laura and her mysterious, entrancing companion.
Carmilla is a Gothic novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, first published in 1872. It is one of the earliest works in the vampire genre, predating Bram Stoker's Dracula by over two decades, and it has had a significant influence on later vampire fiction. The story is known for its eerie atmosphere, psychological horror, and subtle exploration of themes such as female sexuality and the supernatural.
The novella is told from the perspective of Laura, a young woman who lives with her father in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains. One evening, a mysterious young woman named Carmilla arrives at the castle, claiming to be a victim of a carriage accident. Carmilla is invited to stay with Laura and her father, and she quickly forms a close bond with Laura, though her behavior is often strange and unsettling.
Carmilla exhibits an unusual, almost hypnotic influence over Laura. The two young women develop a deep emotional attachment, and Carmilla’s presence becomes all-consuming. However, Laura begins to experience disturbing symptoms, such as lethargy, pallor, and strange dreams, leading her to suspect that something is wrong.
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