Reading Nachtsturm Castle by sunlight
Nachtstürm Castle by Emily C. A. Snyder is a book one should read in the middle of winter, curled up in front of a roaring fire—preferably with one’s favorite hot drink close at hand. I however read it in the middle of summer, out on the patio at work, with a large bottle of cold water close at hand. Whenever and wherever read, this Gothic sequel to Northanger Abbey is a delightful novella.
Our tale begins approximately a year after Henry and Catherine’s wedding. Henry suggests they take an Ann Radcliffe pilgrimage, visiting the locales in the South of France and Italy that authoress favored. The reader might be surprised when Catherine at first hesitates, but she is holding true to her decision to be a rational creature. In the end, however, Henry wins the point and they leave on holiday.
While in Paris, they meet up with both a gypsy—whom Catherine is dreadfully disappointed in—and another Englishman. This gentleman, the Baron of Branning (and Brandenburg) suggests the Tilneys might enjoy a stay at his recently inherited castle in the Alps. Catherine again debates with herself, but she finally acquiesces, largely under the belief that Henry has arranged the entire thing.
And here, dear reader, is one of the most charming and mysterious aspects of this story: even after reading the entire book, I am not sure exactly how much Henry arranged, and how much was fate.
The mystery truly begins when the couple arrives at Nachtstürm Castle. Entirely against their will (unless Henry is behind it?), they are swept into a tale of mistaken identity and stolen birthright, with an enemy so horrid he might even be truly evil. Oh yes, reader–here, Catherine will find monsters enough to satisfy all her most lurid imaginings, and to cure her husband of any desire to tease her over them.
Nachtstürm Castle was a delight to read. Snyder dances a fine line, weaving a tale of truly Gothic proportions while still maintaining something like the tongue in cheek humor Jane Austen used in mocking those same novels.
In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen, by presenting us with an heroine who sees murder around every corner, shows us how very ridiculous those gothic notions are. In Nachtstürm Castle, Emily C.A. Snyder, by presenting us with an heroine determined to be perfectly sensible, shows us how terrifyingly real monsters are.
Five Stars
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You’re so right. Gothics should be read at night and while you’re wrapped up cozily against the little chill the story and the temps give you.
The book review made me wish to check this one out as I had not heard much about it.
Thanks for posting.
I quite agree! Although one doesn’t want TOO much thunder storming while reading…or you’ll do what I did to poor Macbeth the first time I tried to read him, and a thunderstorm and the witches scene began together! I returned the book to the library the next day, and no one seemed to notice the dent on the cover from where I’d thrown it in surprise!
Sounds like a great read. I’ve got it on my TBR list! Can’t wait.
Thank you so much, Jennifer! Ditto on Caroline (who’s always been one of my favorite characters).
Ok, now I have to put this on my TBR list, which is growing quite long! It will be prefect to read after we finish NA.
Thank you for reminding me that I’ve got to catch up on rereading NA for the Book Club! I hope you enjoy both books!
Can’t wait to read this! Nancy was the lucky one who got to read it for review
But you recognized her Kindle! That gets you automatic points.
And break a leg, Ms. Grey, with your wonderful fairy tale retelling!
Thanks
And I did recognize her Kindle, that’s actually kind of creepy… tee hee.
I had to go find where you’d recognized my Kindle… Okay, that is almost creepy. :p Instagram stalker…
I LOVED this. The only complaint I had was that it was too short! I wanted it to continue!
Aw, thanks Erica! Unfortunately, the book wanted to be a novella. You’ll have to take it up with Henry. ;P
Four words: Henry Tilney, Action Hero. Team Tilney really needs to read this one.
That sounds yummy!
Nancy, thank you so much for the review! I love how you made me think a little bit more about the book myself. It took me several thousand words to say what you summed up so perfectly in your last paragraph. Many thanks!
You’re very welcome, Emily. Now I need to find time to read your short story collection. I think that might be a post-NaNo read…
I love this book. I fell in love with it when I discovered it on Amazon one day and I’ve never regretted reading it. This is one of my favorite Austenesque novels.
Kate,
Thank you so much! You’ve made my night!
Adding this to my TBR list also! I am curious about this whole, Henry planning events vs. Fate thing. Interesting!
Thank you! Keep an eye out for tomorrow afternoon’s Free Friday at my blog (http://emilycasnyder.blogspot.com) for a deleted/expanded scene from Nachtsturm which should shed some light…or make things more obscure…as to Henry vs. Fate! (Although Henry vs. Fate sounds pretty epic enough!)
thanks for the review! I need to put this on my to-read this! can’t wait to read it!
[...] ones filled with Austenesque literature. I am also a devout fan of Emily C. A. Snyder, whose Nachtstürm Castle I had the pleasure of reviewing in October. I was lucky enough to win a copy of Letters of Love [...]