Jess’s Reviews > Hungerstone > Status Update

He can’t even conceptualize someone’s autonomy, emotions, or needs outside of himself. He & Carmilla are symbolic opposites. Carmilla, while sometimes immoral, tries to make Lenore practice critical thinking & independence. She wants Lenore to be introspective & pursue what she wants, not make herself smaller for others, & advocate for her needs.

—& Carmilla is interesting. There’s clearly signs she’s a vampire (weak in daytime, luxurious in nighttime; eats little, except a bit of meat; teeth; the sleep paralysis stuff; sensual/flirty; creepy)

—& Cora seems superficial & eager to help herself. Henry also clearly doesn’t have much romantic interest in Lenore any more. Also, I think Henry is doing something illegal within his steel works, as evidenced by the journalist, “no police” w the accident, his shady letter etc. He’s probably snappish bc he’s stressed from worrying he’ll be caught. The back & forth nature/tension between Lenore—

I find Lenore to be a sympathetic, relatable protagonist. She’s faced hardship & trauma, & thus belittles herself + her wants/needs. She overworks herself to seek control & to convince herself she deserves decent things. Before Carmilla suggested Henry & Cora may be having an affair, I thought so myself. Henry seems entitled & like he believes he should have everything he wants (even cheating w a younger woman)—

Interesting setting so far & I like the writing style 🐛