Book Review: Dragonwyck (1944) by Anya Seton
Anya Seton’s “Dragonwyck” is often likened to “Jane Eyre” with its dark, Gothic charm, featuring a haunted mansion, a mysterious and beautiful lord, a young and naive girl transitioning into womanhood, and deep family secrets.
Drawing heavily from classic literature such as “Rebecca”, “Northanger Abbey”, “Wuthering Heights”, and more, Seton crafts a unique tale set in America.
A Letter Arrives and Then…
In May 1844, a letter reaches a humble, hardworking family in Connecticut. It’s an offer from a distant New York relative seeking a companion/governess for his daughter. This is the start of our heroine’s journey.
Miranda Wells, an 18-year-old brimming with dreams fueled by romance novels, desires more than her provincial life. Despite initial objections from her strict father, she heads to New York to live with her distant relative.
Nicholas Van Ryn, the distant cousin and lord of the Dragonwyck estate in Upper New York, is mesmerizing and enigmatic. He’s married to the pompous Johanna and is the father of Katrine. Miranda is instantly captivated by Nicholas’s beauty, wealth, and aloofness.
Nicholas begins to transform Miranda into a lady, showering her with luxuries and molding her to his liking. Grateful and overawed, Miranda complies, her vanities fed, and yearnings growing. She desires Nicholas, even though he is another woman’s husband.
A Mid-Nineteenth Century metoo
Without revealing too much, “Dragonwyck” explores issues akin to a mid-nineteenth century metoo moment. It’s a cautionary tale about losing one’s moral compass in pursuit of wealth and status. Themes of avarice, jealousy, manipulation, violence, and the eventual empowerment of female voices are central to the story.
Set against the backdrop of the Mexican-American War, leading up to the Civil War, the novel doesn’t shy away from political unrest. A democracy is taking shape in America, with tenants revolting against an Old World manor system. Uprisings against estates like Dragonwyck signify a rejection of American aristocracy.
This historical and political layer adds depth and nuance, setting the personal tale within a broader context. The democratic pushback against the American aristocracy is embodied by characters like Jefferson Turner, a salt-of-the-earth doctor.
Conclusion
“Dragonwyck” successfully hits all the Gothic notes, blending dark, political, and modern elements. It’s a story of finding one’s voice and using it. Though Miranda Wells may not be a Jane Eyre, readers become invested in her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Adaptation Recommendation
A 1946 film adaptation starred Gene Tierney, Vincent Price, Glenn Langan, and Walter Huston. However, a new adaptation would be timely and engaging.
Content Note
The novel involves non-graphic depictions of violence—sexual, physical, and psychological—as well as murder and substance abuse.
Have you read “Dragonwyck”? Share your thoughts on this Gothic novel in the comments!
