Join members of the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies for the final discussion of our Spring/Summer Contemporary Reading Groups for 2025. This is the last of a series of 4 reading groups (this year there are two in person and two online). These free sessions, which we run in the summer months, give us a chance to explore the prominent role of the Gothic in modern and contemporary culture. Come along for a relaxed conversation among enthusiasts and avid readers.

This reading group takes place online on Teams. The Teams link will be emailed to you two days before the reading group, and on the morning of the event.

FORMAT
The session will be led by one of our postgraduate Gothic researchers Quen Took and Becky Alaise. There is no need to prepare questions or reviews. Please just turn up on the day ready to chat about the book.

AUDIENCE
This reading group is free and open to everyone, but please note that regular attendees tend to be postgraduate researchers and members of staff. For this reason, the group might not suit total beginners.

For more information on the Contemporary Gothic Reading Group and other events organised by the Gothic Centre, please visit our website: https://manchestergothic.mmu.ac.uk/

or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1589997731237020

About Carrion Crow

A powerful and spine-tingling gothic tale exploring mother-daughter relationships, sexuality, and class.

There are some facts about the world that only your mother can teach you.
Marguerite had been confined for the sake of her wellbeing.
That’s what her mother had said.

Marguerite Périgord is locked in the attic of her family home, a towering Chelsea house overlooking the stinking Thames. For company she has a sewing machine,Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Managementand a carrion crow who has come to nest in the rafters. Restless, she spends her waning energies on the fascinations of her own body, memorising Mrs Beeton’s advice and longing for her life outside.

Cécile Périgord has confined her daughter Marguerite for her own good. Cécile is concerned that Marguerite’s engagement to a much older, near-penniless solicitor, will drag the family name – her husband’s name, that is – into disrepute. And for Cécile, who has worked hard at her own betterment, this simply won’t do.

Cécile’s life has taught her that no matter how high a woman climbs she can just as readily fall.

Of course, both have their secrets, intentions and histories to hide. As Marguerite’s patience turns into rage, the boundaries of her mind and body start to fray.

And neither woman can recognise what the other is becoming.