The Familiar

The Familiar by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a tale steeped in quiet terror. It begins innocently enough: a seasoned sea captain returns to civilian life in Dublin, bringing with him an air of arrogance and control. But his confidence soon gives way to unease as an invisible force begins to torment him-first subtly, then relentlessly. Is it the ghost of an old enemy? A figment of guilt? Or something far darker, drawn to his spirit by unseen laws?

As the haunting escalates, so too does the psychological unraveling of a man caught in a struggle against a presence he cannot confront. This modern translation brings new clarity to Le Fanu's elegant Victorian prose while preserving the creeping dread that defines his legacy.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

• A Gothic Tale of Paranoia and Supernatural Retribution - Explore what happens when a powerful man becomes powerless against the invisible.
• A Study in Guilt and Spiritual Torment - Delve into Le Fanu's portrayal of conscience as a source of supernatural justice.
• An Accessible Modern Edition - Crafted to retain the story's mood and rhythm while making the language vivid for modern readers.
• A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror - Learn how Le Fanu builds fear from silence, suggestion, and the slow crush of inevitability.

A psychological ghost story ahead of its time, The Familiar will stay with you long after the last page-just like the shadow that never quite leaves your side.