Bluebeard has always been my favorite fairy tale, even though it was terrifying. The idea of a horrible man, a locked room, a key to the unknown....it always was something that thrilled me.
I loved Anna Biller's film "The Love Witch". Her eye for film, color theory, and storytelling was inspiring and had the retro feel that I love. There's a timeless quality to her work and that translated to her first novel, Bluebeard's Castle.
With a gothic romance rushed wedding between Judith - the "plain" daughter and Gavin - the 'Baron's son", we are quickly sent away into a violent and passionate sexual relationship. Judith is transformed into a brand new person, a vintage beauty and instead of the powerful author she has always been, she is now obsessed with her husband. Her every thought is of him, of wanting to be with him, of his whereabouts.
Biller does an excellent job, again, of creating a timeless atmosphere. This story could take place in almost any era with a few adjustments. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the cover as well as the interior and back cover artwork. Evoking the horror novels of the 70s that I love to collect, I am overjoyed to add this one to my collection. I'm especially happy that I picked up a signed copy at a local store.
I don't think this is going to be a book for everyone, but it's 100% a book that I love.