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.

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)

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 🐛