Greifenstein

by F. Marion Crawford

"Greifenstein" by F. Marion Crawford is a captivating masterpiece in Gothic literature, offering readers a thrilling journey through mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue. As one of F. Marion Crawford's notable novels, it embodies the essence of Victorian-era literature, drawing readers into a world filled with dark secrets and enigmatic characters. Set within the atmospheric backdrop of a medieval castle, Crawford masterfully weaves an intricate web of suspenseful storytelling, where intriguing plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel delves deep into psychological suspense, exploring the inner workings of the characters' minds as they navigate the mysteries of Greifenstein. Against the backdrop of the castle's haunting Gothic atmosphere, Crawford unfolds a tale of romance intertwined with suspense, creating a compelling blend of romance suspense novels. As secrets unravel and enigmatic characters come to light, readers are taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. "Greifenstein" stands as a classic in horror literature, with its atmospheric setting descriptions evoking a sense of foreboding and unease. Through its exploration of dark secrets and psychological depth, Crawford's novel remains a timeless work that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, suspense, and Gothic allure.

Genres: Gothic

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1889

About the author

Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was an American writer noted for his many novels. He was born at Bagni di Lucca, Italy. In 1879 he went to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited the Allahabad Indian Herald. Returning to America he continued to study Sanskrit at Harvard University for a year, contributed to various periodicals, and in 1882 produced his first novel, Mr Isaacs. This book had an immediate success, and its author's promise was confirmed by the publication of Doctor Claudius: A True Story (1883). After a brief residence in New York and Boston, in 1883 he returned to Italy, where he made his permanent home. He also published the historical works, Ave Roma Immortalis (1898), Rulers of the South (1900) renamed Sicily, Calabria and Malta in 1904, and Gleanings from Venetian History (1905). The Saracinesca series is perhaps known to be his best work, with the third in the series, Don Orsino, set against the background of a real estate bubble, told with effective concision. A fourth book in the series, Corleone, was the first major treatment of the Mafia in literature.

Reviews

[Bettielee]

I read a LOT of Victorian literature…. And this is ridiculous even for that. There is virtually no plot, just a set of circumstances some characters and some scenery. Set in Germany, Greif von Greifenstein (I mean come on….forshadow much?) is the most upright German son of the upright German baron there can ever be. The most Baron Baron that ever was. His father has this half-brother who isn’t so German or Baron-aic, who did something terrible during the war. The King is going to give out pardons, so this shame of the family returns in the hopes of being cleared. With him, come terrible secrets. So after 160 pages, the inciting incident happens. Horror/shame, and for the sake of honor Greif thinks he should throw aside his love of the beautiful Hilda, his poor cousin, and go into the army. And poor Greif doesn’t even know the half of it! Through a series of letters, coincidence, more German honor, and 150 more pages, even more truth and handwringing occur.

The frustration of the romantic novel lies chiefly in its wishy washyness. I mean beyond the melodrama and the circumstance and the coincidence and the incident that often occurs off-page that sweeps away every problem the hero/heroine faced, no – what really bothers me is they have to engage in much debate – not between two characters, though that does happen and goes on forever when it does. No, most of it happens in the mind of ONE character who can’t. Make. Up. Their. Mind. They have to look at everything from every point of view… for pages and pages and pages. This thing could have been a short story. Instead it was over 392 ploddingly overwritten and angst filled pages.

[Dorcas]

Two half brothers are separated for over twenty years as one dishonors himself and the family by traitorous actions in the military and is exiled/imprisoned.

Meanwhile the "good" brother marries a silly woman and has an heir to the Greifenstein estate, named Greif.

Further in the black forest lies Sigmundskron, the run down castle estate of Hilda. Her mother sells off whatever land can be sold, closes unused rooms and basically starves so that her daughter can be fed and no one might learn of their diminished means and honor be lost on her beloved, loyal, slain husband.

As the years go by an understanding develops between Hilda and Grief and they plan to marry when they become of age. Grief goes off to college where he is admired by all, and where he meets an odd stranger named Rex, twenty years his senior who seems to be otherworldly wise and whom be becomes fast friends with.

When Grief is called away home for a family emergency, Rex goes with him and together they watch as a panorama of tragedy, mystery and triumph unfolds and all their lives are changed in an instant

For fans of Ouida, this reads in a similar style