The Italian by Anne Radcliffe

I had been wanting to read one of Anne Radcliffe's gothic novels and recommended this to our Gothic reading group as it was one of her shorter books. I have to say that it was a little disappointing. I did enjoy the style and there were a couple of scenes that I found quite breathtaking, but I felt that the book was let down by the ending. I suppose there is nothing wrong with a happy ending, however it felt that things just got a bit too carried away.

I remember Anne Radcliffe being criticised for explaining away the supernatural in her books and I think I prefer a book that has more of an occult element to it. It reminded me more of Walter Scott than Mathew Lewis. Still I did find it enjoyable and will probably read more of her novels at some point.