I finished the book 5 minutes ago, and have some thoughts.
It's held as a preeminate early gothic novels, I disagree that this is an accurate way to categorise the book.
The horror emanates not from a overwhelming feeling of unknown, dread or helplessness (all these factors are still present) traditional to gothic novels, but from the psychological explorations of Ambrosios machinations.
I liked it a lot, it was difficult to read at certain points, not from poor writing, but the sheer unabashed depravity that we are witnessing first hand.
The ending being an allegory for resiting temptation and seduction was not surprising but worked.
Hats off to Mr Lewis for managing to put together a solid psychological thriller and the tender age of 19 in just 3 weeks.
by Furyfornow2