The Castle of Wolfenbach
Eliza ParsonsThe Castle of Wolfenbach is a novel by eighteenth-century English writer Eliza Parsons, first published in 1793. An early gothic tale, the story revolves around the adventures and trials of the novel's heroine, Matilda Weimar, who finds herself in dire circumstances. The novel begins with Matilda, a young and virtuous woman, seeking refuge in the remote Castle of Wolfenbach after escaping an oppressive and abusive marriage. At the castle, she uncovers dark secrets, including hidden chambers and a tragic tale of a persecuted noblewoman. As the story unfolds, Matilda's life becomes increasingly entangled with the mysteries and intrigues of the castle and its residents. She must navigate her way through threats, deceit, and treachery, all while trying to protect her own virtue and uncover the truth about the castle's past. First published in two volumes, it is among the seven 'horrid novels' recommended by the character Isabella Thorpe in Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey
This book has 90,069 words, and was originally published in 1793.