Francis Lathom (1774–1832)

read this book as part of a Group Read assignment. I'm a fan of Jane Austen's "Northanger Abbey" and am therefore interested in studying the gothic literature this book was parodying. "The Midnight Bell" made the infamous list now referred to as the Northanger Canon and was our Gothic Group Read's selection of the month. I can definitely see what Jane Austen was making fun of. I about fell over laughing repeatedly due to the ridiculous situations these characters got into along with just how unappealing any of the characters are. The heroine faints every other chapter. The hero cries at the drop of a hat. The story-telling is all tell and no show. But still, with all of its faults it is very entertaining. I look forward to reading more from the canon.… (meer)