"The Italian" Book Review

The Italian by Ann Radcliffe

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
After having read "The Mysteries of Udolfo," I was very excited to read "The Italian," which Dr. R. had mentioned is an even better book. I don't know if it's really "better" but it is very different. The gothic elements in "The Italian" are far less of the "ghost and goblin" kind (think the curtain in "Udolfo," or the mystery corpse), and more of the evil that human nature is possible of. The plot is relatively easy to keep track of, and the characters are more deeply developed than in "Udolfo," with Ellena being a very virtuous and headstrong beloved, while Vivaldi is the equally headstrong and loyal lover. The villains in this book are actually pretty memorable, and there are a couple plot twists that definitely make this an exciting read (though, admittedly, pretty predictable considering the genre and time). Nevertheless, a thoroughly interesting read, and definitely a good study of human pride and its dire consequences. A three star only because as a late eighteenth century novel, it still maintains some of the difficulties of the time for the present reader -- too many landscapes, too much lovemaking without any lovemaking, and too static heroes.


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