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Mysteries of Udolpho - The Original Classic Edition
Mysteries of Udolpho - The Original Classic Edition | Ann Radcliffe
I fear I dont have the words to fully explain just how important, enjoyable, and breath-taking this novel is to me; The Mysteries of Udolpho is simply one of the greatest written works ever produced. While this is a Gothic novel, arguably the greatest Gothic novel ever written, it is so much more than that. Gothic denotes dark castles, spectral haunts, dastardly deeds performed by cruel, mysterious men--certainly these elements are here. However, a large portion of this novel is simply beautiful--no one I know of has ever described the simple grandeur of life and nature or waxed more poetically on the noble merits of love and honor as does Ann Radcliffe. Emily is one of the most memorable characters in all of fiction. To be frank, I simply fell in love with her. Through her, I was able to not only see but to better appreciate life itself and the simple beauties it manifests. When she was hurt or pained, I shared her sorrow; many times, I felt compelled to jump up and somehow defend her against the monstrous injustices inflicted upon her. I admired her morality and deep commitment to honor, a commitment so deep that she sacrificed in deference to it her own deep love for Valancourt, a love so deep that it alone allowed her to withstand the horrors of Count Montoni and the castle of Udolpho. Certainly, Emily is very sensitive and overdramatic, and she does tend to faint a lot, but she is a pure angel to someone like myself who is a Victorian at heart. I wish I could mention all of the wonderful characters and all of the scenes and events, both beautiful and horrific, to be found in these pages. These were times when I literally had to put one hand across the page to keep from jumping ahead to see what was about to happen. I do want to stress the beauty and romance of the novel because these aspects are overshadowed by the perception people have of Gothic literature. The story of Emily and Valancourt is one of the greatest love stories in literature. Future readers, please dont pick the novel up until such a time as you are truly committed to reading it; it is rather long, and this is not a novel you will want to lay aside for several days at a time. Also, the first 100 pages or so are somewhat hard to get through. Radcliffe paints a living portrait of nature in these pages, describing more details than I could ever even hope to witness. You wont encounter the Gothic horror you may be expecting until you get rather deeply into the story, so keep that in mind. Approach this novel as you would a work of art because that is exactly what it is.
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dabbe
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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#weirdwordwednesday #weirdwords @CBee

To find a worthier definition of the word SUBLIME, here's a link: https://shorturl.at/x9St5

TheSpineView This is a great word! 6h
CBee I love this word 😊 And the comic is just…. Wow. (edited) 5h
27 likes2 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Bookwormjillk So many creepers, and of course Macaroni says it was suicide. 15h
See All 9 Comments
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk methinks he lent a helping hand #hesagiver (edited) 15h
mcctrish #hesagiver 🤣🤣🤣 11h
mcctrish I think her remains are in the veiled portrait 11h
mcctrish Also could the aunt shut up for one second and let Emily finish a thought on how to handle macaroni?! And could Emily shut up and listen to Annette ?! 11h
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish nobody listens to anybody 🙄 11h
Clare-Dragonfly Right?! Emily is always making fun of Annette for talking a lot but just like… have a dang conversation. 10h
33 likes9 comments
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AnishaInkspill
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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#Two4Tuesday is my fav question, thanks @TheSpineView

1/ I tend to plan ahead what I read, one of my favourite things is lining up future reads.

2/ I'm going to go for the #currentread for #hashtagbrigade, this one didn't go to plan, it took me 5 months to read and I was sure when I finished I'd think never again but no, it's left an impression and I would definitely read again, next time I'm hoping it doesn't take this long.

TheSpineView So glad you enjoy #Two4Tuesday Thanks for playing along! 😘 17h
13 likes1 comment
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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See All 14 Comments
AllDebooks #backtobed 🤣🤣🤣 1d
mcctrish This. Was. Bonkers. Also does Ann use up all her words describing the scenery and has none left over for the actual stuff? And by stuff I mean papers that get burned and portraits that make you faint 1d
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish for real though! 1d
Clare-Dragonfly This was such a long chapter but at least stuff happened? Very annoyed that we don‘t get to see what‘s behind the curtain. My money is on a dead body. ☠️ 1d
BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly I would love it if it was a dead body, we need some action. 1d
TheAromaofBooks I literally looked up spoilers to see what was behind the curtain because I couldn't deal with not knowing! 😂 1d
BarkingMadRead @TheAromaofBooks Omg you know?!? Don‘t tell me. But omg. No. Don‘t tell me. Ahhhhhhh 1d
Bklover @TheAromaofBooks I think you just gave me my justification to peek. 🫣 😊😊 1d
Bookwormjillk Finished this chapter at exactly 11:59 pm. You know it‘s a long one when the hashtags extend into the comments. I giggled a bit when Auntie was like”whatever.” 1d
TheAromaofBooks @BarkingMadRead @Bklover - I have to confess to the fact that I'm a spoiler lover 😂I don't like being stressed when I'm reading so sometimes I just gotta know! 😆 22h
Clare-Dragonfly I was glad to see that Manchon is still around! 22h
42 likes14 comments
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dabbe
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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#Two4Tuesday
@TheSpineView (thanks for the tag! 💛🤎🧡)

1. I love to plan and make lists. Actually performing the lists, though ... well, that's another story entirely. 😂
2. If you want to read an early Gothic novel where everything (at least so far) just happens to our heroine while she weeps unendingly, then this is the book for you! 😄

If you read all of this, you're 🔖!

TheSpineView So get #1!! Thanks for playing 2d
dabbe @TheSpineView YW! 🧡🤎💛 2d
Susanita I feel ya with the lists! 😄 2d
See All 8 Comments
dabbe @Susanita 🤩😂😄 1d
mcctrish I love lists, this book not so much 1d
dabbe @mcctrish 🎯!!! 1d
AnishaInkspill 💛💛 you can't beat those lists 18h
dabbe @AnishaInkspill You said it! 💛🤎🧡 12h
44 likes8 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Bookwormjillk So is Macaroni the bad guy or is V? Or is the aunt just playing them all? Will Emily ever stop crying and find out?? #WeWillHaveAnAnswerLateNextMonth 1w
See All 18 Comments
AllDebooks What just happened? 😱 1w
AllDebooks @BarkingMadRead the u-turns from this aunt are making my head spin! 1w
BarkingMadRead @AllDebooks she‘s exhausting! 1w
mcctrish @AllDebooks I‘ve got whiplash 1w
mcctrish Sigh. Sob. You must go. Wait, listen to this. Sigh. Sob. Don‘t ever forget me. You must forget me. Sigh. Sob. #putafeatherinhishatandcallhimmacaroni 1w
Clare-Dragonfly Definitely saw Marconi forbidding the marriage coming! There is a lot of sighing and fainting in this chapter. There is no way I would be slogging through this book without the #hashtagbrigade! I *will* learn what Catherine Morland gets so excited about! (edited) 1w
Clare-Dragonfly I just realized I got his name wrong in a completely different way 😂 Montoni! 1w
Clare-Dragonfly Also! Doesn‘t Valancourt have a first name? He calls Emily by her name all the time but she doesn‘t use his name in dialogue. Did Radcliffe just not feel like coming up with a first name? 1w
BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly I don‘t think they‘ve mentioned a first name? I‘m not sure! 1w
dabbe This is the perfect kind of book for me right now. No matter how bad things are or seem to be today, I am quite grateful to not be Emily in the late 1500's with absolutely no money and no say in what she can/can't do in her life. #yikes #andyesshecrieswaytoomuch #scmb 1w
TheAromaofBooks The aunt being like “suck it up or people will judge you for not being able to get over your completely inappropriate boyfriend“ like 48 hours ago you were totally on his team?!?! Geezy 7d
AnishaInkspill yeah the uncle 7d
Bklover And now they‘re both crying. And dear obedient Emily will now be ordered around by Macaroni. 7d
35 likes18 comments
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Bookwormjillk
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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I didn‘t read any nonfiction yesterday but inspired by our chapter of Udolpho I did look up the definitions of verdant and verdure.

Verdant- green with grass or other rich vegetation
Verdure- lush green vegetation

#NFN #Hashtagbrigade

BarkingMadRead 💚💚💚💚 2w
56 likes1 comment
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dabbe
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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#Two4Tuesday
@TheSpineView (thanks for the tag! 😘)

1. I am all about the melancholy, and sunsets bring that out in me. A sunset over saguaros is quite breathtaking.
2. Gothic, France, Pyrenees

Play? @mcctrish @Cuilin @AnnCrystal

TheSpineView 🧡🌅 Thanks for playing 2w
AnnCrystal 🌆🌛💝 Thanks for the tag 😎👍💝. 2w
dabbe @TheSpineView YW! 😘 2w
dabbe @AnnCrystal YW! 😘 2w
59 likes4 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Bookwormjillk That was weird. Sounds pretty though. 2w
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mcctrish @Bookwormjillk it does sound pretty but so far they suck as travellers #itistheirfirstrodeo 2w
peanutnine I always find it odd that the prescription for illness in this time period is so often travel, like travel is the most exhausting thing I don't get it 2w
Clare-Dragonfly I‘m surprised to see both monks and nuns in a convent. I thought they were always sex-segregated. 2w
ElizaMarie @peanutnine yes!!!! I always have to take an extra day off after taking days off from vacation! 2w
Bklover @peanutnine I agree! Not to mention wandering all over the place picking up germs! 2w
Ruthiella @Clare-Dragonfly I think Radcliffe might have just made that up. 2w
AnishaInkspill @BarkingMadRead thanks for the add 😍 these 2w
AnishaInkspill @Clare-Dragonfly me too, I looked this up and found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_monastery , maybe Radcliffe means one of these double monastry ? 2w
AllDebooks Lol, great hashtags 2w
44 likes13 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Bookwormjillk Waiting to see where this all goes 3w
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Clare-Dragonfly Is Valancourt the mysterious creeper??? I‘ve got my eye on him. 2w
mcctrish I‘m sure the woman is regretting letting these travellers stay now 🤦🏻‍♀️ @Clare-Dragonfly I‘m wondering too 2w
BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly @mcctrish I‘m so glad I‘m not the only one who went there 2w
39 likes6 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Anne Radcliffe
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Cuilin Can you tag me? I read it a few years ago and just realized I‘m gonna enjoy your #‘s 🙏 3w
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mcctrish I was thinking could it be his mother ? But I‘m all for a trip to the south of France #itwillcurewhatailsyou 3w
Bookwormjillk Something ain‘t right (talking about Dad not your spelling. Don‘t blame you there 😂) (edited) 3w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin yes! @mcctrish ohhhh maybe? My cynical soul didn‘t even think of that! 3w
ElizaMarie @mcctrish Yeah, instantly thought it was his momma. Maybe I am too nieve and trusting :) 3w
Clare-Dragonfly “Oh, brother, you look sick, you should go to the doctor.” Lady, his wife just died and you‘re making him go to a party! 3w
Bklover Can you add me back? Finally finished Dracula and starting this tonight. Will try to keep up better! (I posted this comment already but I can‘t find it so who knows where I posted it 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3w
BarkingMadRead @Bklover I got you!! 3w
AnishaInkspill 💛 💛😔

@BarkingMadRead I read this a few years ago, I'm 😍 your posts, pls tag me in, thank you!!!!
3w
BarkingMadRead @AnishaInkspill you‘re on the tag list! 3w
Bklover @BarkingMadRead I must be cynical too- his momma never even occurred to me. I figured it was some mysterious love of his. 3w
julieclair @Bklover I‘m with you. It‘s a mysterious lover! Much more interesting that way. 2w
39 likes14 comments
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Librarybelle
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Here we go! #HashtagBrigade

BarkingMadRead Great cover! 3w
Mollyanna Great bookmark! 3w
julieclair That bookmark! 3w
68 likes4 comments
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dabbe
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

“On the pleasant banks of the Garonne, in the province of Gascony, stood, in the year 1584, the chateau of Monsieur St. Aubert.“

Let's go, #hashtagbrigade! 🧡🍁💛

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BarkingMadRead
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Anne Radcliffe
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AnnCrystal 👋😍👍💝💝💝. (edited) 3w
mcctrish This is exactly what I pictured 🤣🤣 considering the really gorgeous descriptions of their natural paradise I think fireflies or lightening bugs would be nicer than glow worms 🤔 Emily‘s uncle and aunt sound like a piece of work 3w
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dabbe @mcctrish I see bad things ahead with this aunt and uncle. He's already planning on redoing their cozy little home! And boasting about the changes to Emily's dad! #wtf 😳 3w
mcctrish @dabbe the tree clearing concerns me maybe he will die too (edited) 3w
TheAromaofBooks I totally had that glowworm!! 😂 3w
Bookwormjillk Yup I had one! 3w
TheBookHippie My daughter had one! 3w
ElizaMarie OMG #ThatUncle I can't believe he is talking about clearing out the trees! I had a glowworm! It was ridiculous! Why did we have such weird toys as kids!? 3w
Clare-Dragonfly Definitely a creeper! He stole her mom‘s necklace! Funny how this book starts with all these long, lingering descriptions but there‘s still a ton of action packed into the first chapter. 3w
BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly right? Soooooo much happened! The words on my pages are really small, that chapter felt so long! 3w
BarkingMadRead @ElizaMarie it was giving me sense and sensibility vibes, leave the trees alone! 3w
CatLass007 Dang! I forgot we were starting this today. But it‘s not too late. What years was the Glow Worm in existence as a toy? Because I don‘t even remember a commercial for it. 3w
jewright I used my glow worm to read under my blankets when I was supposed to be sleeping when I was a kid. 3w
Cupcake12 I had one and loved it so much especially when reading at night 3w
AnishaInkspill 😂 💛 💛 3w
julieclair That aunt and uncle were too awful to be believed. So rude, self-centered and insensitive. And the mom dies already? And the creeper guy? We are totally set up for lots of action ahead. 3w
Bklover @CatLass007 My daughter was born in 1986 and she had a pink glow worm. 3w
CatLass007 @Bklover No, definitely not my generation. I graduated from college in 1985.😂 3w
43 likes2 stack adds19 comments
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LitsyEvents
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Repost for @BarkingMadRead

Ok #hashtagbrigade our final book of the year! If you would like to be tagged for 57 chapters of hashtag fun, drop a comment below! This is open to anyone wants to join in, just know that my hashtags are often ridiculous and always chapter spoilers, so don‘t read my post until you‘ve read the chapter!

Teresereading Yes please 3w
40 likes1 comment
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BarkingMadRead
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Ok #hashtagbrigade our final book of the year! If you would like to be tagged for 57 chapters of hashtag fun, drop a comment below! This is open to anyone wants to join in, just know that my hashtags are often ridiculous and always chapter spoilers, so don‘t read my post until you‘ve read the chapter!

See All 30 Comments
IndoorDame Me please! Can‘t wait to actually read this since it‘s referenced in so many books we‘ve read 1mo
Bookwormjillk Woo hoo! I‘ve tried to read this before and bailed, but I have a good feeling about this read through 1mo
mcctrish I‘m in. I will hunt a copy down 1mo
TheBookHippie I‘m in library is sending it…. Also it was listed under Romance 😳 (edited) 1mo
dabbe Like @Bookwormjillk, I tried and bailed on this a long time ago, but I know this time the #hashtagbrigade will see me through! 🤩 1mo
Deblovestoread Going to try... love your posts even if it get behind or bail 😀 1mo
zezeki I finished Northanger Abbey last week and it reminded me that this book has been on my TBR for a long time, so count me in! 1mo
BarkingMadRead 😍😍😍 1mo
kwmg40 I‘d like to join in! 1mo
Librarybelle Yay! I was so close to finishing it the last time I was reading it and got interrupted with life. Definitely in for this! 1mo
BarkingMadRead 😍😍😍 1mo
Ruthiella Please keep me tagged. I have read it before and won‘t reread but will follow along. 😃 1mo
Clare-Dragonfly Heck yeah! I‘ve been meaning to read this for ages because I love Northanger Abbey. 1mo
Clare-Dragonfly @Bookwormjillk It‘s always more fun with the #hashtagbrigade! 1mo
CatLass007 Please count me in. I‘m loving Dracula with my friends in #HashtagBrigade. 1mo
ElizaMarie Oooo so excited to join in on this one!!!! 1mo
quietjenn Yes, please! 1mo
jewright Yes, please! 4w
Larkken Haha, sure! I‘ve been curious about this ever since seeing how bad northanger abbey skewered it 😆 (edited) 4w
TheAromaofBooks I'm in!! 4w
rubyslippersreads Please add me to the list. 4w
julieclair I'm in! 4w
eeclayton I'm so in! So happy to tackle this one with you all! 4w
AnishaInkspill pls add me, I read this last year, I don't have time to read again but will join in 4w
AllDebooks Please add me. I've always wanted to read this and never quite got to it 3w
peanutnine Could you add me to the tag list please? 3w
41 likes2 stack adds30 comments
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RowReads1
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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49 likes1 stack add
review
StaceGhost
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Anne Radcliffe
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Pickpick

Classic. Highly suggest you make like Catherine Moreland and get your read on.

(Picture from an unrelated girl‘s night out event.)

📸by oreamnosoddities

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johncadams
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Once I got over just how long this novel was, I was on a roll. The heroine certainly got her money's worth out of adventure.

#horror #gothichorror

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RaeLovesToRead
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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I also got this fabulous mug decorated with books by female writers (I already have the other bookish mug they do!) from Santa 💖

I've only read 4 of the books, but I own a few more waiting to be read and I've found some new additions to the TBR too...

How many have you read? Are there any you'd particularly recommend?

Now to make myself a mug of tea 😁

erinreads My mom got me this mug for Christmas! 3y
RaeLovesToRead @erinreads It's awesome, right? 😊😁 How many of the books have you read? Do you have a favourite? I've already downloaded a couple of interesting looking ones on Kindle! 3y
erinreads I‘ve only read 5. Jane Eyre was my favorite! 3y
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RaeLovesToRead @erinreads I love Jane Eyre too! ♥ 3y
Vansa I can't recommend North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell enough.Its an excellent, thought provoking book that explores the Industrial Revolution,the rights of workers,and is still extremely relevant,and also manages to have an absolutely swoony romance.One of my favourite books,also a spectacular tv show.Im also a huge fan of Katherine Mansfield razor-sharp insights. 3y
RaeLovesToRead @Vansa Thanks! I have a copy of North and South in my cupboard and now I really want to read it! Will check out Katherine Mansfield too... 😊😁 3y
46 likes6 comments
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johncadams
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review
Readerann
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Pickpick

Some lovely poetry and descriptions of nature (though excessive, perhaps). I did get a little weary of Emily becoming ‘insensible‘ (apparently the 18th century equivalent to swooning 😂).
#1001books

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jenniferw88
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Day 30: Lots of #mysterious characters in this book!

#maycharacters @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Sounds very mysterious 😳 3y
50 likes1 comment
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johncadams
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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review
Cuilin
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Pickpick

I loved this so much more than I thought I would. Little drawn out at times but overall compelling writing, enchanting plot and delightful characters. 5 ⭐️

@mklong how you doing?

BarbaraBB Great review! 4y
mklong I‘m still loving it too! I finally have time to relax after a very busy holiday and should finish in the next couple of days. 4y
mklong And I keep forgetting to mention how much I love the annotations in the Oxford World‘s Classic edition! I love that they show both the travelogues that inspired Radcliffe and the literature and art that was inspired by her. 4y
75 likes3 comments
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Cuilin
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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In to volume III and the gothic has intensified, with menacing, ominous, and sinister characters The wonderful Annette thrown in for comic relief. MC is getting gutsy and feisty by the minute, oh where will it all lead? Channeling Catherine Moreland right now!!!

Cuilin @Milara yes, I was surprised by the poetic prose. 4y
mklong I‘ve had a busy week so I‘m only about halfway through Volume II, but I‘m off work until the new year after Friday, so I‘ll catch up! 4y
Cuilin @mklong can‘t wait to hear your thoughts. I‘m loving it so much more than I thought I would. 4y
54 likes3 comments
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Cuilin
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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@mklong so this arrived in time for volume two!! Im still enjoying it, how about you? The poetry quotes though are sending me down rabbit holes. Howbeit the MC can be frustrating, the writing is flawless.

mklong We are reading the same edition now! The Kindle version I had from the library wasn‘t annotated and it was driving me nuts. I am loving it so far! There is perhaps a bit too much dramatic fainting, but I am otherwise impressed by how subtle and poetic the writing is 4y
mklong I was really moved reading about Emily‘s grief. It was beautifully written and her emotions were incredibly familiar. It‘s amazing to connect so well with a character who was created more than 200 years ago. 4y
65 likes2 comments
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Cuilin
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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@mklong so this finally arrived. I‘m a little concerned about the volume I part 😳 Didn‘t notice this when I ordered.

mklong 🤔How many pages is it? 4y
Cuilin @mklong 132 pages, 13 chapters and very small print. 4y
mklong Uh oh, mine is like 650 pages. I think you don‘t have the whole book 4y
See All 8 Comments
Cuilin @mklong oh dear. Guess I‘ll order the rest. How many chapters in total? 4y
mklong My edition is broken up into 4 volumes that each have like 10-15 chapters 4y
Cuilin @mklong got it! Thanks. I‘ve read two pages. So far it‘s good. I‘m surprised by the quality of the writing. Very poetic. 4y
batsy Hope you enjoy it! And yes, it's a chunkster in 4 volumes. I too was taken aback with the prose style; it's poetic and captivating (even if the novel itself has its highs and lows). 4y
mklong I‘m really enjoying it too. I was expecting melodrama, and maybe we‘ll get there, but so far it‘s lovely 4y
47 likes8 comments
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mklong
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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@Cuilin and I are going to squeeze in a #UdolphoBuddyRead before the #PemberLittens #TheItalianBuddyRead begins at the end of the month. Anyone else want to join in?

I have a vague plan to read a volume per week, but am not setting a schedule. All are welcome 😊

rubyslippersreads I just saw this and may try to squeeze it in. 😊 4y
mklong @rubyslippersreads Awesome! No need for a hashtag since it‘s just a couple of us. Just tag me and @Cuilin when you post about it. So far it‘s not what I was expecting, but I‘m really enjoying it 4y
Cuilin @mklong not at all what I was expecting either. I didn‘t think I would like it as much as I do. 4y
mklong @cuilin Same. How far in are you? I just read a very endearing section involving Petrarch‘s sonnets that made me want to give them another read. I always remember finding them stodgy when I was in school (edited) 4y
Cuilin I just read the Petrarch part and I agree, I haven‘t looked at his sonnets since school. Can‘t remember what I thought of them but I guess I‘ll be looking them up. I‘ve actually visited this part of France so that‘s also fun for me remembering the area. It‘s beautiful, Colioure in particular. Looking forward to seeing where they go next. @mklong 4y
38 likes5 comments
review
batsy
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Pickpick

I can't sum this up. Its energy is bonkers & I respect it. Had it been shorter I might have loved it. Radcliffe was doing all kinds of wild stuff stylistically; combining the sublime with the ludicrous. Some of it was enchanting & gripping. Some of it made me want to nap. It's the fact that we're living in 2020 & I've no attention span to speak of. But that's not Radcliffe's fault! She was writing for people like Henry Tilney & Catherine Morland.

batsy I gave it 3 stars but it would have been higher if it was a tighter, more coherent novel. Also, some of the "big reveals" here might make people want to throw the book, but I honestly cackled out loud! I kind of loved that shit was just over the top NUTS. On a deeper level, it made me think about what would have gripped readers in the 18th-century: xenophobia, gender relations, women as property, & the real, underlying fears of social relations. 4y
batsy Shoutout to @sprainedbrain whose review of this years ago alluding to its "Scooby-Doo ending" was what really piqued my interest ? If you think about it, you can't have romanticism, Gothic, & the sublime without the hijinks & shenanigans! Even if some parts were tedious & overwrought, I was always happy to re-enter this world each day & linger in its weird, beguiling space. It's so fun seeing how Austen spoofs this genre in Northanger Abbey. 4y
sprainedbrain This is the best review of this book I‘ve seen! When I grow up, I want to be able to write reviews like you. Also, ❤️ she was writing for Henry Tilneys and Catherine Morlands! 😂 4y
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Smarkies Hahahha. My interest was piqued because of Northanger Abbey. But I find that I too have the attention span of a goldfish nowadays so may have to give this a miss and focus on other books 😞. 4y
BarbaraBB Superb review. Still tbr for #1001books... 4y
erzascarletbookgasm 😂 I love your review, Suba! 👏💫 This book has been on my radar after watching (now reading) Northanger Abbey. Will want to read it some day. 4y
Liz_M Great review. And the desire to nap through large chunks of this book has more more to do with Radcliffe than a 2020 attention span. 😉 4y
Hamlet Terrific review! 4y
BiblioLitten Brilliant review! 👏🏼👏🏼 4y
batsy @sprainedbrain Hahaha, thank you! ❤️ 4y
batsy @Smarkies Oh, I hear you. I keep stopping to doomscroll twitter for the news. 4y
batsy @Liz_M 😂 I just wanted to be as rapt as the characters in Northanger Abbey were! 4y
johncadams I'm reading this at the moment! 4y
batsy @johncadams Nice! Would love to know what you think! 4y
Centique Perfect review! You can imagine me at 18 having No Patience with all the fainting and flailing 😂😂 But yes, it is an important and influential work, you‘re so right. I love the comment about Henry and Catherine. Must reread that one soon 😍 but I can‘t go back to Udolpho! 4y
batsy @Centique Hahaha. I totally understand not having patience for that at 18! I would have been the same. (And I think I didn't quite get on with Northanger Abbey at that age because Catherine's naivete and runaway imagination hit quite close to home 😂) 4y
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batsy
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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This trillion-page book is a *lot*, but it's also fun & excessive & enjoyable (+ occasionally boring & frustrating, yes ?)

There was a nice moment where, Ludovico, part of the domestic help, settles down to read on a cold & stormy night. This quote appears, as I read this book & am myself "fascinated by inventions, which had captivated the careless imagination in every rank of society, in a former age". Very meta of Ann Radcliffe.

KVanRead Love those kinds of moments 4y
readordierachel I was just looking at the audiobook of this today. 30 hours! 4y
batsy @KVanRead Me too 🙂 4y
batsy @readordierachel It's so long!!! I swear all of my November has been spent on this 😂 4y
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batsy
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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I've always wanted to read this pioneering Gothic thriller, and what better time than now as we read a chapter a day of Northanger Abbey! #pemberlittens 🏰

I've only just started so no dastardly acts as yet, though there's LOTS OF DESCRIPTION... 😅

Sace Oh I struggle with lots of description ? I think that's why I struggle with fantasy...though I believe they call it "world building". 4y
erzascarletbookgasm Great pairing with NA. 👍 4y
batsy @Sace I didn't think I had an issue with it, but lately my attention span is telling me otherwise :( But you might have hit on something re: traditional fantasy; I struggle with the world building elements, too. 4y
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batsy @erzascarletbookgasm Have you read it, Jessie? 4y
erzascarletbookgasm I have it on my tbr. I‘m aware it‘s gothic, is it gothic horror? 4y
batsy @erzascarletbookgasm I'm not sure yet! I think there should be some supernatural stuff... 👻 4y
Currey @batsy This is on my TBR list but it has always been too daunting. Your efforts will be encouraging 4y
saresmoore Ha! I don‘t think I have the mental bandwidth for “lots of description” today, but I‘ve also long wanted to read it. 😅 4y
batsy @Currey I'm very intimidated by its length and language but I shall persist and hopefully get through it 😁 4y
batsy @saresmoore All the best for today ❤️ For many of us non-Americans this election feels quite close to us/personal, in a way...and we're rooting for you. 4y
LeahBergen It‘s one I‘ve always been meaning to read, too! 4y
RaeLovesToRead I've always wanted to read this since Northanger Abbey... I tried once but I only got 3 pages in.... Will try again though! Promise! 😂😂 4y
DebinHawaii I started it a couple of years ago on Serial Reader & got to issue 90 & stopped for some reason. I decided to go back to it & finish along with our Chapter-A-Day of Northanger Abbey! 4y
Freespirit I will look forward to your review! 4y
batsy @LeahBergen Feel free to join me if you're up for it! It's so long that I'm pretty sure I'll be reading it forever 😂 (though I'm enjoying it so far!) 4y
batsy @RaeLovesToRead Hahaha! I don't blame you. This is a chunkster that does require a bit of commitment 😅 4y
batsy @DebinHawaii Cool! 🙂 Just curious about how many issues there are? This is a long one! 4y
DebinHawaii @batsy It says 126 issues! It is a lot! 😆 (edited) 4y
Centique I studied this one at Uni - You‘re bringing back memories for me! I think my finals for it was on the “landscape of desire” or sexual imagery or some such 😂😂 LOTS of fainting anyhow! 4y
batsy @DebinHawaii Hahaha! You've done 90! You're near the finish line 😅💪🏽 4y
batsy @Centique Oh, I would've loved to read your answer 😆 4y
rubyslippersreads I‘ve had this “horrid novel” on my TBR for ages too. 4y
batsy @rubyslippersreads It's campy and over the top so I'm enjoying it, but boy is it loooong 😆 4y
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eeclayton
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Dear #PemberLittens, those of you who want to read The Mysteries of Udolpho, you can download the Kindle book for free today 😊
#dealalert

jenniferw88 I'd like to warn (or remind!) #PemberLittens that it is a #chunkster! If you still want to read a Radcliffe but put off by the size, I'd suggest the tagged one. It's her first popular novel and so she's only just getting into her stride, but still good. Her best is The Italian but wasn't as much of an influence on Jane as my timeline post on the GR group shows - find the pub dates of Mysteries & Northanger to see why Mysteries did! 5y
jenniferw88 Ok, just checked my timeline post and pub date of The Italian (1797 & beware this is also quite long!) so it could have influenced Northanger but not as much as Mysteries of Udolpho did. Timeline post here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/21338633-timeline 5y
eeclayton @jenniferw88 Thanks Jenny! 5y
rockpools @jenniferw88 Thanks for the tip Jenny - I was totally going to attempt Udolpho, until Serial Reader said I‘d be done by Christmas 😱. I‘ll try A Sicilian Romance 4y
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Bookwomble
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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And some boys, too...

Weaponxgirl Can I visit if you get this? I‘ll help lace you into one of those gorgeous velvet gowns 5y
Bookwomble When I get my Gothic castle, I'll send you an invite to the housewarming party 😉🦇🕷🕸🏰 5y
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Crinoline_Laphroaig
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Panpan

So happy to hear The End. Been listening to off & on since my Austen in August reread of Northanger Abbey. Thought I should have a frame of reference to what Jane Austen was poking fun at. I could only take so much of the Histrionics & would bail for awhile. Apparently no Editors in 1794 when this was published. It rambles on and on. Finally I can get this 31 h 15 m 42 s mess off my phone. 🙄
#austeninaugust2019 #listenwhileyouwork

readingjedi Lol, I remember reading it at uni for a Gothic module. It wasn't my favourite....😂 5y
Ms_T 🤣🤣🤣 5y
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LitsyHappenings
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Repost for @jenniferw88 :

New game!

Post a picture of the 5 books someone would need to put in a pentogram to summon you with the hashtag #mypentogrambooks and tag me @jenniferw88 in order to win litsy influence (I can't really do shipping costs at the mo, so I will repost some of your posts for a week in order to increase your litsy profile). Ends when I reach 250k (currently at 210k, so a while to go!)

jenniferw88 Thank you! 5y
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jenniferw88
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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New game!

Post a picture of the 5 books someone would need to put in a pentogram to summon you with the hashtag #mypentogrambooks and tag me @jenniferw88 in order to win litsy influence (I can't really do shipping costs at the mo, so I will repost some of your posts for a week in order to increase your litsy profile). Ends when I reach 250k (currently at 210k, so a while to go!)

@LitsyHappenings can you share please?

Laughterhp Sounds like fun! 5y
BookwormAHN Nice idea 🌟 5y
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AnneCecilie
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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#CastleontheHill #WanderingJune

The medieval fortress, Udolpho, is located on a hill, if I remember correctly

BarbaraBB Did you enjoy this book? 5y
AnneCecilie @BarbaraBB Yes, I did. The story drew me in, and I would definitely read more of her books 5y
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Michael_Gee
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Another year, another library sale. This round: mostly cheap gothic romances. YES!!! 👄🏰😱

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LadyRuthven
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Well, life has been busy so I'm still on this book. Running behind of my goal but not giving up. It's been good so far. I hope to finish it up now that I'm taking time off for Spring Break. She was a talented author for sure.

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Breely
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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The vacant mind is ever on the watch for relief, and ready to plunge into error, to escape from the languor of idleness. Store it with ideas, teach it the pleasure of thinking; and the temptations of the world without, will be counteracted by the gratifications derived from the world within.
Ann Radcliffe- Mysteries of Udolpho

BookNAround What a cutie patootie! 6y
Breely Thank you! 6y
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Settings
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
Pickpick

Been on the to-read list for like 20 years.

This one has like 3.38 on Librarything, which seems to stem in part from a dislike of weepy virtuous-type characters again. Idk, I kinda prefer them. Emily tries hard to be a decent human being and stick to her principles. She isn't weak.

Librivox audiobooks are free, but this is my worst experience with one. Some of the readers mispronounce words or have background noise.

Settings Realizing the low rating might be because one member gave it 1 star multiple times. 6y
Lcsmcat @Settings That shouldn‘t happen. I don‘t understand what a reviewer gains from deliberately trying to lower the rating. Did they have a book out titled “Why the Mysteries of Udolpho Sucks” and need to drum up readership? It just seems juvenile. (edited) 6y
Liz_M For me it was the fainting. And the amateur poetry, had to knock a star off for the poetry 😁 6y
sprainedbrain I listened to a really good version read by Karen Cass. I found it on Scribd. ❤️ 6y
Settings @Liz_M Yeah lol. Sometimes I'd forget there were literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter and I'd be like "what is this vastly improved writing?". Still liked it though. :P 6y
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sprainedbrain
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Pickpick

I probably never would have finished this book if it wasn‘t for the excellent audiobook.

Holy buckets, Ms. Radcliffe could go on! And clearly this book wasn‘t edited in the least. It‘s long, y‘all. It gets convoluted and outlandish, but somehow it was still never boring. 🤔 The Scooby-Doo wrap-up ending was almost too much, but I loved the gothic, creepy castle vibes and the love story. Just call me Catherine Morland. 😂

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#1001books

batsy "Scooby-Doo wrap-up ending" ?? Now more than ever I want to read this! 6y
Gezemice Well now, that sounds like fun. I should look for the audio! 6y
Tamra That is funny! I wish my library had the audio version. 6y
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Emilymdxn I felt just the same! I loved the audiobook but not sure if I could have survived physically reading it 6y
Daisey Agreed! I listened to this and also skimmed through on Serial Reader, and constantly thought it would take forever and be less compelling if I read in print. 6y
sprainedbrain @batsy @Gezemice @Tamra I got this version for free with my free trial of Kobo. 😉 6y
sprainedbrain @Emilymdxn @Daisey I‘m glad it wasn‘t just me! I was going nowhere fast with the kindle version. 😜 6y
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Kristelh
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Liatrek
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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I love when reading one book ( Northanger Abbey) leads you to discover a new book to add to your TBR pile. Catherine and Isabella seem to love it so I‘ll have to give this a read in the future 😊 What are some books that lead you to read another book referenced?

ravenlee Constant references in this book made me want to read Dombey and Sons and Ivanhoe (which was already on my TBR), and glad I had read Jane Eyre. 6y
Birdsong28 I didn't realise it was a 'real' book until someone on here was reading it, I thought it was just a made up book for the story. So I had to add it to my already massive TBR lol!!😂😂 6y
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Sace
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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bookwrm526
The Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Radcliffe
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Mehso-so

For #PrinceOfJuly #letsgocrazy I immediately thought of this book - in true gothic style, the main character is unsure if she is going crazy, or being driven to desperation by her supposed caretakers, or if something more sinister is occurring. I didn‘t like this one quite as much as I have others in the genre, but it was still pretty creepy, like this old picture of my cat in our previous apartment! @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @vkois88

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Creepy 💜💜 6y
Reggie That photo is already giving me nightmares!!! Lol 6y
EllanaRose One of my favourite books ever. I'm glad you liked it, even if you didn't love it 6y
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bookwrm526 @Reggie @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This is how he greeted us most days when we got home from work! 6y
vkois88 Lol my cat used to do that... except it would be dark and you'd ONLY see eyes 😂😂😂 6y
SilversReviews Love this photo...I don‘t know the book, though. 6y
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Laura317
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Yesterday, a friend and I went to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Manor outside Nashville, TN. There was beautiful gardens, and one cool little library. Seems this book was everywhere back in the day.

Sace Ah ha! There you are! I forgot who mentioned this and drove me to a blame it on Litsy moment. 6y
Laura317 @RestlessFickleBookHoarder 🤣 I‘m just here to help out. 😜 6y
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jenniferw88
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Day 6 of books that changed my life. Yes I know it's another 18th century book but this one led me to my MA dissertation topic and my love of the Gothic genre.

Tagging @TrishB if you'd like to join in.

#Booksthatchangedmylife

TrishB I think I started this and then just forget!! 6y
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EllanaRose
Mysteries of Udolpho | Ann Ward Radcliffe
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Reading an ARC for #FangirlFriday but not saying what it is until tomorrow!
In the meantime, have a reminder about #HyperUdolpho