Deliciously dark

 

4 stars

Hungerstone is a vivid tapestry set in the gothic darkness of the near-ruined Nethershaw, a manor house in the vicinity of Sheffield during the industrial revolution. Based on Carmilla, of which I know next to nothing, I was in thrall to the poetry and sumptuous description of the world our caged bird, Lenore, inhabits. Tied up in social propriety that comes with status, and in a loveless marriage, Lenore's world is tipped on its head when the mysterious Carmilla is found and brought to convalesce at Lenore's new home during preparations for a big social event.

The creeping, edgy atmosphere promises danger and delivers a slow anxiety as the story unfolds. It is a delicious concern for the reader as we anticipate what awaits us. The richness of the story, the bleakness of Lenore's world and the freedom of rage that is boiling over is a satisfying treat. It wasn't quite as I expected but felt such a guilty pleasure as Lenore, with Carmilla's help, finds her wings and flies against convention.