One of the Best

A more contemporary Gothic Great to share: Angela Carter's  The Magic Toyshop is a heady mix of subverted fairy tale (this one is a 'from riches to rags' tale) with a hefty sprinkling of the Gothic. Uncle Philip's toy shop is a classic  'dark cavern' of a Gothic space, 'dimly lit' and full of 'murk', and its 'stiff-limbed puppets' dangle in the sinister darkness. Uncle Philip is a Gothic monster in the making: he is huge - he overfills the space with his menacing presence. The grotesque 'immense, overwhelming figure' of him roars and bellows like a beanstalk giant.

There is Bluebeard, and Leda and the Swan, and stirring sexuality. There is menace, and terror, and yet love of all kinds in this dark tale.

Read and enjoy!