Zastrozzi, A Romance by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a dark and intense novel that delves into themes of revenge, moral ambiguity, and the destructive power of obsession. The story follows the enigmatic and charismatic Zastrozzi as he seeks to exact vengeance on the man who wronged him, leading to a violent and twisted chain of events.

Shelley's prose is rich and poetic, drawing the reader into a world of passion and danger. The characters are complex and multifaceted, with Zastrozzi himself being a particularly intriguing figure, both alluring and repulsive in equal measure. The novel's exploration of the darker side of human nature is thought-provoking and compelling, challenging the reader to consider the lengths they would go to in pursuit of their desires.

Overall, Zastrozzi, A Romance is a gripping and atmospheric read that will linger in the reader's mind long after they have finished it. Shelley's exploration of the complexities of good and evil, love and hate, make this novel a must-read for fans of gothic literature and psychological thrillers.

Book Description:

“Would Julia of Strobazzo’s heart was reeking on my dagger!”

From the asthmatic urgency of its opening abduction scene to the Satanic defiance of the villain’s departure “with a wild convulsive laugh of exulting revenge”, this first of Shelley’s Gothic novelettes recycles much sensational boyhood reading and also points to some of his more mature concerns.

It is the ego-driven pursuit of passionate extremes, revenge included, which consigns figures like Zastrozzi and the murderous Matilda to an isolation which is socially destructive as well as self-annihilating. The story of their downfall is related in a relentlessly hysterical style – possibly more easily enjoyed when read aloud!