If you're tired of predictable stories, Charlotte Dacre's 'Zofloya' is a breath of fresh, albeit sinister, air. Published in 1806, it feels shockingly ahead of its time.

The Story

We meet Victoria di Loredani in Venice. Her family life is a mess, filled with betrayal and a mother who sets a terrible example. Victoria isn't content to suffer quietly. Fueled by rage and a desperate desire for the man she loves, she embarks on a path of destruction. She lies, manipulates, and commits terrible acts. Her guide and accomplice is Zofloya, a Moorish servant with hypnotic charm and unsettling knowledge. As Victoria's crimes pile up, Zofloya's true nature—and the real price of their partnership—becomes horrifyingly clear.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was Victoria. She's not a passive heroine waiting to be rescued. She's angry, selfish, and terrifyingly active in her own downfall. Dacre doesn't ask us to like her, but she makes us understand her rage. The book dives deep into questions of free will, corruption, and whether evil is born or made. The relationship with Zofloya is brilliantly ambiguous—is he making her do these things, or is he just giving her the means to act on her darkest desires?

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction who want to see its darker, more psychological side. It's perfect for anyone who loves a complex, morally grey female character. If you enjoyed the doomed ambition of 'Macbeth' or the gothic vibes of 'Frankenstein,' but wished the women had more agency (for better or worse), you'll be captivated by 'Zofloya.' Just be prepared for a story that doesn't play nice.