Francis Lathom (1774–1832)

read this book as part of a Group Read assignment. I'm a fan of Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey" and am therefore interested in studying the gothic literature this book was parodying. "The Midnight Bell" made the infamous list now referred to as the Northanger Canon and was our Gothic Group Read's selection of the month. I can definitely see what Jane Austen was making fun of. I about fell over laughing repeatedly due to the ridiculous situations these characters got into along with just how show more unappealing any of the characters are. The heroine faints every other chapter. The hero cries at the drop of a hat. The story-telling is all tell and no show. But still, with all of its faults it is very entertaining. I look forward to reading more from the canon. show less

One of the things you will notice about this book is the duplication of names. We begin with the sons of Count Cohenburg, Alphonsus and Frederick. Frederick is married to Sophia and his wife and all three children die. Alphonsus is married to Anna and his son is also called Alphonsus. One of the main themes of this book is suspicion and because Alphonsus suspects his wife of having an affair, disastrous consequences ensue.

Despite being in love with another man Lauretta is married to Count show more Byroff. Her father suspects her of entertaining the affections of another man and sets a trap where the husband and father are away from the house. She arranges to meet her lover in the garden but the message is intercepted and he is killed. Lauretta then goes to a convent where she gives birth to a girl also named Lauretta.

The novel is interesting in its portrayal of the Bastille and the cruel treatment of prisoners. How the corruption of the guards sees prisoners poisoned and their bodies sold for medical research. It also has the traditional abduction of the heroine Lauretta by Theodore, who is aided in her escape by her father Count Byroff before being reunited with Alphonsus. show less

This was a very enjoyable novel even if it did have too many characters who were constantly woven in and out of the plot.

This was interesting to read. It was difficult to follow at times, though. The dialogue made it tough at times to figure out just what was going on. The plot also felt like it jumped from place to place instead of transitioning smoothly.It is an interesting example of a classic ghost story complete with a ruined castle, murder, and twists around every corner.