Virginia Feito’s “Victorian Psycho” is a wickedly entertaining yet deeply unsettling novel that plunges readers into the twisted mind of Winifred Notty, a Victorian governess whose proper exterior masks a soul steeped in darkness. Following the success of her debut novel “Mrs. March,” Feito returns with a work that masterfully blends Gothic horror with pitch-black comedy, creating a narrative that both disturbs and delights in equal measure.
A Sinister Symphony of Style
The story unfolds at Ensor House, a brooding Victorian mansion where our unreliable narrator, Winifred, arrives to serve as governess to two children: the pale, peculiar Drusilla and her younger brother Andrew. From the opening pages, Feito establishes a distinct voice that captures both the formal cadence of Victorian prose and a modern sensibility for dark humor. Her writing style is both ornate and visceral, combining flowery Victorian phraseology with shockingly graphic descriptions of violence and decay.
The Madness Within
What sets “Victorian Psycho” apart is its unflinching portrayal of evil through Winifred’s first-person narrative. Unlike traditional Gothic novels where the horror often stems from supernatural elements, the true monster here is thoroughly human. Winifred’s casual mentions of past murders, her obsession with death, and her growing fixation on her employer Mr. Pounds create a psychological portrait that is both fascinating and deeply disturbing.
Strengths and Stellar Moments
Atmospheric Excellence
Feito excels at creating a richly atmospheric setting. Ensor House becomes a character in itself, with its shadowy corridors, hidden passages, and portraits whose eyes seem to follow the characters. The author’s attention to Victorian detail is impressive, from the social hierarchies of the household staff to the macabre medical practices of the era.
Character Complexity
While Winifred is clearly psychopathic, Feito adds layers of complexity to her character through glimpses of her troubled past and moments of genuine, if twisted, emotion. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, particularly Mrs. Pounds with her vanity and insecurities, and Drusilla, whose own darkness mirrors Winifred’s in unexpected ways.
Dark Humor
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to make readers laugh even as they recoil. Winifred’s deadpan observations about Victorian society’s absurdities provide welcome relief from the mounting tension, though the humor itself is often as black as the protagonist’s heart.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The middle section of the novel occasionally drags, with several scenes of Winifred’s nighttime wanderings feeling repetitive. The build-up to the Christmas massacre, while atmospheric, could have been tightened for greater impact.
Character Motivations
While Winifred’s psychopathy is well-established, some of her victims’ actions strain credibility. The ease with which she manipulates certain characters, particularly Mr. Pounds, sometimes feels convenient rather than convincing.
Tonal Balance
The blend of horror and humor, while generally effective, occasionally creates tonal whiplash. Some readers may find the shift from comedic moments to extreme violence jarring rather than entertaining.
Literary Context and Influences
“Victorian Psycho” clearly draws inspiration from multiple sources, from traditional Gothic novels to modern psychological thrillers. There are echoes of Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw” in its unreliable narrator and isolated setting, while the dark humor and violence recall Patrick Bateman’s narrative in “American Psycho.” Fans of Sarah Waters’ Victorian-set novels and Shirley Jackson’s psychological horror will find much to appreciate here.
Final Verdict
“Victorian Psycho” is an ambitious and largely successful blend of historical fiction, psychological horror, and dark comedy. While it occasionally stumbles in its pacing and tonal balance, the novel’s unique voice, atmospheric setting, and unforgettable protagonist make it a worthwhile read for those with strong stomachs and a taste for the macabre.
For Readers Who Enjoy:
- Gothic horror
- Historical fiction
- Dark comedy
- Unreliable narrators
- Psychological thrillers
- Victorian settings
Content Warning
The novel contains graphic violence, disturbing themes, and descriptions of child harm. Sensitive readers should approach with caution.
Similar Works
- “Mrs. March” by Virginia Feito
- “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James
- “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
- “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters
- “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson
In “Victorian Psycho,” Virginia Feito has created a memorable addition to the Gothic horror genre, one that both honors and subverts its conventions. While not perfect, it’s a bold, distinctive work that will likely inspire passionate discussions among readers. Just don’t read it before bedtime – or while interviewing potential governesses.