Emily St. Aubert is the protagonist. Orphaned in her late teens early in the story; her aunt is her guardian (I'll call it) but herself makes an ill-advised marriage to an Italian fellow (Montoni). They all go to Venice; then onto Montoni's castle (Udolpho).
Emily had met Valancourt (and fallen in love with him) while traveling with her father through the Pyrenees. Entirely separated while at Udolpho, not clear to her what's up with him.
Apparitions at Udolpho, and later at a chateau in France. Strange music playing in the middle of the night in various locations. Emily spends time at a nearby convent, meets a strange nun who seems to recognize Emily.
Very early in the book, Emily's father is advising her strongly about the dangers of indulging in grief, emotions in general. Then for hundreds of pages, Emily is continually plunged into deep grief, fainting, etc. Even though she's strong, rational. She did go through some quite amazing scenarios.
Book was immensely popular when first published, and I read that it's considered the first "Gothic" novel (not sure exactly what that means but I think I get the general idea).
In the page 40s, taking a journey for the father to convalesce. Classic romantic descriptions of wild terrain, natural beauty, etc. How does this tie temporally to Caspar David Friedrich paintings, etc.? Lots of this type of descriptive writing as they travel between France and Italy and enjoy local scenery.
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