The Princess of Darkness

The first English translation of this eccentric, supernatural tale from French decadent author Rachilde (1860–1953), originally published in 1896, uses romantic trappings to explore hysteria and witchcraft. Madeleine Deslandes, a superb prototypical Gothic heroine, moves with her silly father, Jacques, and her impossible aunt, Julia, from Paris to the provinces, where she languishes under their tutelage. Then two suitors appear: the morally upstanding Dr. Sellier is after Madeleine’s heart, while his satanic and suspiciously ethereal double, Hunter, is more interested, as it turns out, in her soul. Notable nonhumans in the cast include a temperamental séance table by the name of Ludovic and an evil dog called Silence. It’s decidedly of its time, and readers may well wince at both Sellier’s highly mannered courtship and Hunter’s supposedly rakish and menacing punch lines. Stableford’s steadfast refusal to translate amour doesn’t help, making the relevant exchanges sound more flowery than necessary. What wins the day, however, is Rachilde’s psychological acuity, subtlety, and indisputable power as a writer. Fans of decadence and weirdness are bound to find value in this rediscovered classic. (Aug.)