Bathory: Memoir of a Countess

by A. Mordeaux

The legend of Elizabeth Bathory has captivated generations, but her true persona eludes many. She has been called the most renowned serial killer of her time, accused of torturing and murdering more than 600 people. Conflicted, wanton, and sadistic in nature, was Elizabeth the result of generations of inbreeding? Was she a twisted byproduct of an archaic environment? Or was she merely a victim of a political conspiracy? Travel back in time and explore her story, told in her own voice, and discover the many facets of Countess Elizabeth Bathory.

Genres: Historical Fiction, True Crime, Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2008

Reviews

[Kristyn Hammond · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a book lover, I try to find something to love about every book I read. I can say, with some sadness, but without hesitation, that this book is unredeemable. The plot was sub-par, though history has given the author a character of remarkable interest. The writing was stiff and sentence's failed to flow together, which was remarkably distracting, and more often than not felt like a lot of sentences haphazardly forced together. The dialogue was painful and every moment the characters were speaking I wished they would just stop. Suspension of disbelief is impossible when reading this book.

To make matters worse, this book strikes a blow against the reputation of self publishing. Bathory: Memoir of a Countess is self-published and embodies all of the bad things about self-publishing. There was no fact checking, no editing, many sentences ran together in such a way that reading them was difficult. Horrible doesn't even begin to describe it!

I've only given this book one star because less isn't possible. They should consider adding negative stars just for the sake of this tragedy of bound pages.

[The Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course there were political motives at play! Before condemning Bathory, Thurzo tried to marry her! The Bathory lands were critical to a ruler intent on expanding the territory (i.e., a male ruler). Yes, I do believe that Bathory did in fact indulge in cruelty towards her servants (a practice not uncommon to nobility), and that she DID cross into torture for the purpose of rejuvenation. To what extent is difficult to say, but by all accounts she was terrified of aging. I believe the quest for youth was her motivation, rather than pure bloodlust. As to witchcraft and such practices, ANY woman at that time who either offended the church or who dared assert herself without a counsel of men, could be easily branded a witch.

[Misfit]

So, inquiring minds want to know. How on earth did Michele manage to finish this one? Was this the only book left on Planet Earth?

PS, it is books like this that give self-publishing that nasty reputation.

[Abby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst books I've ever read...don't waste your time! It may have some historically accurate info but it's written from the Countess' point of view and it sucks!

[Keri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the reviews and saw that many criticized the writing. I must agree. The writing is very subpar. Very childlike, in the way that it just delivers a story without much fluidity. One review said it seemed like an interested "fan" just wrote the story they wanted written since there isn't much out there on Bathory. I completely agree.
This work desperately needed an editor. But even then, I was thinking it's not the editor's job to rewrite this story, so in actuality, it needed a new author.

It could have been so much more. *sigh*

The subject matter is very graphic, which I expected, but it's basically (and very unnecessarily) a porn, which I didn't expect. A very horrific graphic porn.

I would not recommend.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling story -- couldn't put it down. There are only a few books out there about Elizabeth Bathory, but this is the only one I've found that is entertaining and at the same time, based on historical facts. It left me scrambling to find out more about the wayward Countess. It's an excellent account of her life, told in first person. The reader can almost sympathize with her dilemmas -- almost. She was known to be a brutal killer, and although this isn't your typical "blood fest" for historical fiction/horror, this book was definitely meant for a mature audience. Highly recommended.

[Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not for everyone (she was considered a monster, psychotic woman, etc. by many), this is a 3rd-person version of most of Elizabeth Bathory's life. At times gruesomely vivid and graphic, the whole story still managed to hold me in thrall. I've always been interested in her story, and this filled in the many blanks in my knowledge of her story (in a way; most of it is conjecture). The author's note at the end was amazing to me; it manages to find a way to defend her reputation and suppose what could have really happened back then.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. It is definitely not for the squeamish. If you know anything about her legend than you will understand why. It feels more like a historical fiction novel, so if you are not a fan of that genre you probably won't like it. If you can handle the violence and are curious about Elizabeth Bathory I would recommend it.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Editing was quite terrible for this book...I could've found some of the grammatical errors in my sleep. Aside from that, I wanted this to at least try to be more believable but it reads as nothing more than fan fiction by someone who wanted a memoir from Bathory so bad, they took the reins and wrote one.

[Miranda Frey-myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

PRETTY GOOD FICTION

Good book but not for anyone who is disturbed by people, including children being tortured or erotica. I think the author tried to make the reader see her in a more human way but she appears to me to still be a sadistic monster.

[ciara brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I really enjoyed this book, so much so I read it in one night. The only negative thing I have to say is I didn't like reading the torture scenes and would skip over these but I understand it was part of her story. Overall an excellent book

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the faint hearted... Clink on the book below for the full review and a book comparison.

http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blood and violence! Love it!

[Teresa]

very weird book. so different from what i usually read. if you have a weak stomach, skip this book. it was good, but very gruesome at times.

[Charlie Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems to be like marmalade, love or hate. Personally I would recommend it, I couldn't put it down, with the bonus of it being historically accurate.