The Merciful Women

Set during the summer of 1816, the narrative centers on John Polidori, Lord Byron's manservant, who feels overshadowed by his master's literary success. Amidst a Gothic novel contest, Polidori makes a Faustian pact to create a captivating vampire story, "The Vampyre," which mirrors his benefactor's nature and demands. Blending themes of literary ambition, talent, and inspiration, the novel explores the darker sides of creativity through opium, erotica, and decadence, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the Gothic genre.