Tired of the Patriarchy? You Need Lesbian Vampires
Happy Women’s History Month, book friends. 2025 is a frustrating year to be a woman or someone who cares about women. For lots of reasons. If you’re as frustrated with the patriarchy as I am, then you need a real, honest “good for her” read this Women’s History Month to help you let out all of your rage. I can’t think of anything more appropriate than a historical horror retelling of the classic vampire tale Carmilla. It’s everything you love about the original, but, like, even queerer. Which we love. Put it on your TBR this month. You won’t regret it.
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
Let’s talk about Lenore. Lenore has been married to steel magnate Henry for a good 10 years. They’re wealthy and live a very comfortable life, but that’s about all they have going for them. Their union lacks passion. Henry and Lenore came together not out of love, but out of convenience. Lenore wanted to marry a wealthy man, and Henry wanted a woman who would give him status in society. They respect each other (sort of?), but they don’t love each other. Lenore has yet to provide Henry with an heir.
The couple leaves London to head to Nethershaw manor with plans to host a hunting trip for some of society’s finest. But on their journey to their country home, a carriage accident brings them face to face with a force that will change their lives forever: Carmilla. Lenore and Henry welcome Carmilla into their home until she is well enough to travel again, and right away, everything about Carmilla seems strange. The young woman seems sickly to the point of being unable to walk during the day. But then Lenore hears Carmilla tiptoeing around the manor at night. She comes down to dinner but refuses to eat the food, and in the nearby village, young girls are growing sick.
It’s not long before Lenore finds herself also succumbing to a sickness. What’s more, Lenore has strange dreams at night…dreams that reveal to her what her true desires are. It frightens her. What has Carmilla awakened in her? Is Carmilla an evil force sent to destroy her life and her marriage? Or is Carmilla her savior?
Lenore can’t help but be intrigued and fascinated by their house guest. Meanwhile, Henry wants nothing more to be rid of her. The reasons are obvious. The more time Lenore spends with Carmilla, the more she realizes how unhappy she is with Henry. Beyond Henry’s lack of love for his wife, the man has secrets. Many of them. And each secret Lenore uncovers about her husband is darker than the last.
I could not put this book down. I loved how delightfully queer this book is, and as the truths of Carmilla and Lenore’s situation began to unfold, it quickly became clear who the true monster is in this story (spoiler: it’s always a stupid man). But what will become of Lenore? Carmilla? Will Henry get what he deserves? You are going to love reading every moment of this to find out.
Happy weekend reading, bibliophiles! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @emandhercat, and check out my other newsletters, The Fright Stuff and Book Radar!
