The Bloody Chamber (spoilers)

[littlepeas]

I picked this up recently and read the first story (The Bloody Chamber) a few nights ago. I was wondering whether anyone else found it really horrible?

I have read lots of gothic stuff and usually enjoy it, but there was something about this that I found particularly nasty. It has actually spooked me! I was a bit scared going downstairs to the kitchen in the dark last night and my sleep has been a bit unsettled. I can't even remember the last time a book made me feel like this (American Psycho maybe - that makes sense, thinking about it!).

I recognised the story it was based on very quickly, so I knew roughly what was coming. I'm a bit bemused by my response to it - it has really taken me by surprise. I'm just wondering whether anyone else found this? Is it worth reading the rest of the collection? I've put it to one side for now and am reading The Rosie Project as an antidote!

Yes, it is disturbing and yes it is worth reading the rest! The Tiger's Bride is my favourite.

I read The Erl King every autumn! Yes they are disturbing stories but they're meant to be. The fairy tales they're based on in their original form are just as bad.

Perhaps it is the strong feminist aspect to Carter’s writing that has acted like acid on your wounds created by the patriarchal society we live in? I’m assuming you are a woman and I know that sounds a bit wanky and metaphorical but worth considering nevertheless.

Wonderful author !

I haven’t gone back yet, but plan to eventually. I found it very disturbing and it’s been a long time since something has a affected me like that. The only book that stands out to me in that way is American Psycho, which obviously has a similarly calculating, violent, misogynistic man in it! I hated that book, but read it anyway - I hid it on my bookshelf for years and eventually got rid of it about a year ago, as my dc have started to pick things off the shelves to read now. There is obviously a pattern in terms of what frightens me in books!

It's a brilliant, classic A Level text (been teaching it for about 10 years). Just avoid the Snow Child!