One dark evening: Victorian Gothic Horror

I planned to spend a cozy evening reading an eerie, paranormal Victorian gothic horror novel, while opening the accompanying curated Literary Book Club Box gifts. And while I loved all the thoughtful gifts in the book box subscription, the book itself was shocking and sinister. And I have no idea what to think of it after finishing it.

A new governess arrives at Bly manor to care for Flora and Miles, two young orphans who have been neglected by their uncle. While at Bly, the new governess begins to see apparitions and she learns from the housekeeper that the ghosts look suspiciously like the former governess and former butler who passed away the previous year.

And this is where the book becomes sinister. Is this book about abuse and molestation? Or is it about a governess who is descending into madness and dragging everyone with her? The intentional obscurity that Henry James operates in makes the story irresistible to finish. The ambiguity is intriguing but also horrifying.

Books Seen/Mentioned

Turn of the Screw by Henry James