Tag: Gothic

Fiction, Horror, Literary Awards, Mystery, Novella, Translation

Spring Crime Spree: Murder Most Serene by Gabrielle Wittkop (tr. Louise Rogers Lalaurie)

Title:  Murder Most Serene Author:  Gabrielle Wittkop Translator:  Louise Rogers Lalaurie Publisher:  Wakefield Press, Cambridge (2015) ISBN:  978 1 939663 14 6 Murder Most Serene is a study in contrasts.  It is a tale of two cities, one above and one below, during the month and years preceding Napoleon’s invasion of the then Republic of Venice. The inhabitants, fully cognizant that history is catching up … Continue reading Spring Crime Spree: Murder Most Serene by Gabrielle Wittkop (tr. Louise Rogers Lalaurie)

tolmsted4 Comments
Fiction, Mystery, Review Copy, Suspense, Translation

Two Gothic Novels – Old & New

Château D’Argol by Julien Gracq, translated from French by Louise Varèse Publisher: Pushkin Press, London (2013) ISBN: 978 1 78227 004 1 The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero Publisher: Doubleday, New York (2014) ISBN:  978 0 38553 815 2 Like real estate, a Gothic novel is all about location, location, location.  Whether it be a Southern Manse, a moldering European castle or a gloomy family … Continue reading Two Gothic Novels – Old & New

tolmsted3 Comments
Fiction, Short Story

Krafton: A Nice Place to Visit…

In the mood for a little American Gothic? Alan Heathcock’s got it.  VOLT is a collection of linked short stories charting the history of an isolated, rural community located in an unidentified region. On the surface Krafton is your average small town; there are probably hundreds just like it all across America.  But behind closed doors people are dying of unnatural causes, secrets are carefully … Continue reading Krafton: A Nice Place to Visit…

tolmsted4 Comments
Fiction, Translation

Nada by Carmen Laforet (translated by Edith Grossman)

Nada is a strange novel. I’m not completely sure what to make of it. Spanish literature can often have a labyrinthine quality to it, which isn’t surprising when you remember that Spain gave us Gaudi, Dali & Picasso. It’s a theme picked up by contemporary Spanish authors like Zafon; in films like Pan’s Labyrinth; and in Nada, Carmen Laforet’s award winning 1944 novel – translated … Continue reading Nada by Carmen Laforet (translated by Edith Grossman)

tolmsted1 Comment