Elizabeth Bathory Books

I just finished this book and I must say, it's not like any other book I've read before. I have been interested in Elizabeth Bathory for awhile now, and this book was crazy! Although the book is fiction it is based on events in her life. The author didn't leave much to the imagination which led to some very graphic visuals, sometimes a little too much info. There is quite a bit of sexual content which I think was a little unnecessary and sometimes it seemed like he just wanted to throw it in there out of the blue. The story flips back and forth between Elizabeth's life and then a more current life of a relative who is pleading guilty for a murder he claims was due to his relation to Countess Bathory. I found myself almost wanting to skip every other chapter just so I could read about Elizabeth and not the other guy but in the end the author managed to tie it all together. I would recommend the book, but be warned it has some rather details passages.

I understand the so-so reviews here, but I think most people are missing the biggest lure of this novel : Giving Bathory a face and motive. Because there is so little written and even know about Elizabeth, no one today can put even possibly begin to understand her or pass judgement. But this book gives her a story. I thought it was well written and interesting. Yes, there is graphic sexual and tortuous material, but to anyone who knows even the slightest bit of information on Elizabeth must realize that these aspects were primary in her life.

The second plot including Elizabeth's ancestor was fascinating as well, Codrescu writes beautifully. This book is impossible to put down and humanizing Elizabeth. A good read all around.

I bought this book because I'm interested in the fact and mythos of the Countess Bathory. To be sure, I did expect a highly-colored fictionalized historical account, but not this...

I kept reading long before I should have, mostly because I was expecting a Major Event in the conclusion of the (ultimately unnecessary) modern plotline. I should've followed my first urge and put it down -- it seems like the author couldn't decide how to end the book, and so he just ended it. A lot of side plots were left dangling with no real resolution, and I'm unsure whether this is a case of sloppy narrative or the author trying to convince his publisher to pay for a sequel.

The historical plotline wasn't too bad in comparison, but not lacking in its own issues. Without being too graphic, it's painfully obvious that the author has never experienced some of the more extreme sex acts he writes about. Overall, this story reads less like a historical fiction and more like an extended dance remix of the author's personal fantasy.

Blood Countess would have been a more credible tale if the first line had begun, "Dear Penthouse, I never thought this would happen to me..."

I received this book as a gift from a friend who happens also to be an "important" author. He said to me "if you never read another book you must read this one" Wow, I thought to myself this guy is an amazing (and very successful) author himself and he's touting a book to me at a level of excitement I'd have thought would only be reserved for his own masterwork! I began reading. It seemed a little slow at first but I soon found that I could not put it down. On chapter 3 the talons had a firm grasp and I felt like I was then and there an eye witness or "fly on the wall" as the story unfolded. I was transported to and fro in time sharing the driver's seat with the narrator. I felt love, fear and disgust all the while longing for more. This book is a drug and Andrei Codrescu is a brilliant pusher. His style comes accross as underground and rebellious as compared to other writers of the horror genre. Frankly, I personally wouldn't classify this as horror but rather historical fictional romance that just so happens to have a feared villianess at the helm. I've read some of the other reviews and yes, if you are moved by mass appeal mush and don't enjoy high brow metaphor or having to challenge yourself with unique vocabulary then this book is not for you. If you are a N.P.R. listener who has heard the author's narratives and believe this book may be in line then you may also be disappointed. If on the other hand you are someone like me who very selectively reads about a book a month, enjoys a fine wine, understands and appreciates the difference between HBO and IFC this may be right up your alley.

The Blood Countess is a spectacular read! If you are a fan of historical fiction and horror genres then this book is the perfect mix! Codrescu has a knack for stunning visual, and exceedingly graphic, detail. His backdrop is well researched and his main character well portrayed.

Unfortunately, there is a down-side to this book, as seen by the 4-star rating, Codrescu has both a past and present take on the story, I suppose to add in the mystical element of Bathory's everlasting lunacy. The modern storyline becomes annoying and seems incomplete. Like another reviewer said below it is best to skip these parts, you won't miss anything.