The Familiar

Name: The Familiar
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu

The Familiar is a classic Victorian Gothic novel by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu. It tells the story of a young woman, Laura, who is sent to live with her aunt in a remote Irish village. There, she discovers a mysterious and sinister presence in the form of a black cat that seems to be watching her every move. As Laura investigates the cat's origins, she finds herself drawn into a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces that threaten to consume her. Along the way, she must confront her own fears and prejudices, as well as the secrets of her family's past. Ultimately, Laura must decide whether to embrace the darkness or to fight against it.

By Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1847 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Horror · 11 chapters · 14,573 words

First lines

I WAS a young man at the time, and intimately acquainted with some of the actors in this strange tale; the impression which its incidents made on me, therefore, were deep and lasting. I shall now endeavour, with precision, to relate them all, combining, of course, in the narrative, whatever I have learned from various sources, tending, however imperfectly, to illuminate the darkness which involves its progress and termination.

What this Textopian page supports

The Familiar is listed on Textopian as a novel by Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, dated 1847 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu
Date: 1847 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Horror, Romance
Length: 14,573 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 466 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The Familiar is a classic example of Gothic fiction, with its dark and mysterious atmosphere, supernatural elements, and focus on the psychological effects of fear and horror.
Mystery — The Familiar is a mystery novel, with its focus on solving a crime and uncovering the truth behind a series of strange events.
Horror — The Familiar contains elements of horror, with its dark and eerie atmosphere, supernatural elements, and focus on fear and terror.
Romance — The Familiar contains elements of romance, with its focus on the relationships between the characters and the emotional journey of the protagonist.