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.