Jess’s Reviews > Hungerstone > Status Update

—& Carmilla both mention hunger as a theme throughout; this is both a literal hunger for physical sensation (food, touch, sex, violence), but also, a hunger for freedom, autonomy, decision-making about your own life. The analogous coupling of this with cannibalism/vampirism is carnal, romantic, & sensual. Riveting 😼

Good for her! I thoroughly enjoyed this. The frequency of the flashbacks was a bit too often for my liking; but it didn’t detract from my overall interest. They did provide context to Lenore’s mindset, but I think they would’ve served their purpose without so many. I found the depiction of vampirism (or almost lack thereof) quite intriguing in this novel. “Vampire” was never said, & it was never tackled—

I love the portrayal of a woman’s rage as she discovers how much she’s been limited by herself & society. Lenore is filled with rage that she’s been denied autonomy, had her skills/accomplishments diminished, & treated cruelly. Henry’s treatment towards her rings true to how men have treated me irl! He can only view Lenore through his lens of himself.

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.

Henry isn’t cheating on Lenore, but is being more illegal & immoral at work by giving injured/deceased workers no compensation?? & he’s drugging Lenore with the candy? Carmilla knows best. Henry is a textbook case of toxic masculinity. He’s entitled & ignorant as a result of his privilege; he selfishly believes that everyone wants (or should want) what he wants. He’s too self-absorbed to reflect or empathize

—& 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 🐛