If you're a fan of classic Victorian ghost stories, you'll find a lot to enjoy in 'The Old Nurse's Story.' Gaskell masterfully crafts an eerie, atmospheric tale filled with old mansions, family secrets, and a chilling sense of the past haunting the present. The writing is rich and evocative - perfect for those who love a good fireside scare on a winter's night. Fans of the Brontës, Wilkie Collins, or anyone who appreciates subtle psychological horror (rather than outright shocks) will be right at home here.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the pace a bit slow, especially in the early pages, and the style can feel a bit dated if you're not used to Victorian prose. The second story in the collection, 'Curious if True,' doesn't pack the same punch and comes off as odd or confusing to some, with its whimsical, meandering plot. If you're after non-stop action, modern language, or tight plotting, this one might not be your cup of tea.

A wonderfully atmospheric ghost story that delivers classic chills; perfect for a dark, stormy night, but the companion tale may not leave as strong an impression.

About:

The Old Nurse's Story by Elizabeth Gaskell is a collection of two short stories that showcase the author's talent for crafting gothic tales with eerie atmospheres and intricate family histories. The first story, 'The Old Nurse's Story,' follows a nurse recounting the tragic past of her first charge's family, filled with losses due to lust and pride. As the past resurfaces to haunt the new child in the household, the family must confront their sins. The second story, 'Curious, If True,' takes a different turn with a Victorian protagonist getting lost in the woods and stumbling upon a château filled with strangely familiar guests, blending elements of gothic and literary burlesque genres.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is atmospheric and descriptive, rich in Victorian style that engages readers through its intimate first-person narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative features a gothic ghost story with family secrets, centered on the tragic history of Rosamond and her nurse as they encounter supernatural elements.

Setting:

Set in the gothic Furnivall Manor in Northumberland during a cold winter, the setting enhances the story's chilling atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is gradual and reflective, effectively building suspense before reaching a dramatic climax.

You know, my dears, that your mother was an orphan, and an only child; and I dare say you have heard that your grand-father was a clergyman up in Westmoreland, where I come from. I was just a girl in ...

Genres:

gothic

ghost story

literary fiction

Topics:

family history

loss and grief

childhood and innocence

secrets and betrayals

isolation

first person narrative

orphan protagonist

eerie family secrets

Notes:

The Old Nurse's Story is set in the Gothic genre, featuring a spooky mansion called Furnivall Manor House.

The narrator, Hester, recounts her experiences with a young girl named Rosamond in the late 18th century.

The story involves dark family secrets and eerie occurrences, including a crying girl at the windows during winter.

Miss Grace, a character in the story, is similar to Dickens' Miss Havisham, as both have dark pasts.

The tale includes elements of psychological horror, showcasing the impact of past sins on the present.

Another story in the collection, Curious if True, involves a modern man finding a chateau with aristocrats dressed in old-fashioned clothing.

Elizabeth Gaskell was a skilled storyteller known for her ghost stories and psychological depth.

The first story, The Old Nurse's Story, is well-received, while the second story received mixed reviews.

Gaskell's work is described as atmospheric and perfect for cold winter nights.

Many readers find Gaskell's storytelling engaging, despite varied opinions on the second story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of loss, death, and haunting experiences.

From The Publisher:

After her parents pass away, young Rosamond is raised by her nurse in the ancestral home of her aunt, Miss Furnivall. One day the two uncover an exceptionally beautiful old portrait? A relative, distant or close? And is that the strange sound of a distant organ, or simply the wind?

1852

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64 pages

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The Old Nurse's Story

Elizabeth Gaskell

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