The Castle of Otranto

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is held to be the father of Gothic fiction. So interesting that a story written almost as a lark to have such a profound impact on literature. Walpole didn't even want to take credit for it at first. It is a slightly entertaining story but it takes some digging to find out why it is so important.

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cryptomnesia--occurs when a forgotten memory returns without its being recognized as such by the subject, who believes it is something new and original. 

Almost all Gothic novels are motivated in the same way.  At some time in the past a crime was committed but was not avenged.  The criminal is usually a murder and usurper. 

It might be said the the Gothic novel is a primitive detective story in which God or Fate is the detective.