This novel is an 18th century gothic narrative from Great Britain. Radcliffe's descriptions of nature and her creation of an admirable, attractive heroine make this book memorable. The elements of horror and suspense necessary for a gothic novel also make this novel exciting.

Adeline, the heroine of the novel, is beautiful, innocent and lacks family and friends. Because of her daunting past, she becomes even more attractive to those around her and a competition ensues of who can win her love and ultimately save her in the end.

The first part of this novel is enthralling and a page turner as well as the last part of the book, as Adeline's family secrets are revealed and plot lines are tied up. However, I found the middle section of this novel and the "preachy" parts about philosophy and writing disruptive to the plot and frankly boring. Without those slow parts, I would have given this novel 5 stars.

Radcliffe is a great writer and does a wonderful job pulling readers into her characters and keeping you guessing about what's going to happen to Adeline next throughout the entire narrative.

Very descriptive of environments and characters, I made some Biblical connections with La Motte's behavior and decisions. I learned a great deal more from my classmates in Gothic Lit. I finished Volume I of III and that was enough for me.

Romântica, envolvente, uma excelente narrativa. Gostei bastante.

I read this book primarily because it is mentioned in \Emma\ - and the more Mrs. Radcliffe novels I read, the more I appreciate Jane Austen! I have trouble imagining this book to be anything that Mr. Knightley would condone, but I can see the appeal for Harriett Smith, and can imagine Emma reading it as a guilty pleasure. For me, I have a typically modern difficulty digsesting the sickly sweet heroines and heroes of the early gothic novel, but I can see the appeal of the murky, sinister settings, the drawn-out romances, the implausibly elaborate disasters that befall the heroine, and the inevitable happy ending. I can well imagine the gently-reared Regency miss becoming enthralled in a world of adventure and drama.

This might be my new favorite classic. Compelling and complex plot, secretive characters, and fascinating philosophies within the writing make this a must for anyone who has an interest in Gothic lit.