I thought I'd start this thread so that those of us taking up the challenge can have somewhere to share views, ask questions etc. 

I suggest starting each post with the chapter number we are writing about so that those who haven't got that far can avoid it.

Not saying anything specific here, so no worries! Got up to chapter 7 and so far it's not as bad as I expected it to be! In fact it's rather as thought it would be, flowery overblown language of course, lots of dramatic scenery, bot so far so good.....but we'll see, I can imagine geting a bit impatient as time goes on

Who else has started? I'm reading on screen which isn't pleasant BUT stops me reading too much at a time so the suspense can build!!!

Have only read a little, but the language so far hasn't been too excessive, which was one of the main concerns. Having said that, I rather like long flowing sentences-I find it quite soothing as a certain rhythm seems to take over.

Reading on screen sounds like hard work though Mandy!

I've got off to a slow start with it and by lunchtime today I had finished Chapter 4.  As Mandy said it's not as bad as I had imagined.  I'll admit I've been skimming over the descriptive bits and paying attention when something is actually happening.

I'm actually quite surprised at how much has actually taken place in just 50 pages.  If it were a Jane Austen book I think the plot so far would have taken twice as many pages but instead of describing the landscape JA would have paid more attention to the characters and there would have been some dialogue - something which this book is lacking so far.

I finished Chapter 10 last night.

I have to say I am quite enjoying it now.  I've got used to the style and now that there is more dialogue it has become more readable.  I'm growing to like Emily as she isn't the shrinking violet I had dreaded she would be.  I think I am falling in love with Valancourt.

One criticism - what's with all the poetry?????

I don't get the poetry either!  I have to say, I've stopped bothering to read it as I can't see the relevance. 

I agree that Emily is a more modern sort of heroine than I'd expected - only one fainting fit so far!!

Don't think the poetry will be terribly relevant to the plot, but think Radcliffe saw herself as the archetypal Romantic/pastoral poet. Bit of a clue at the beginning:

You still all reading this?

I am....but very very slowly as it's on screen, only manage about a chapter at a time

Just read an interesting bit...

he had recourse to means of other
revenge, than he could hope to obtain by prosecution.  He employed a
person, in whom he believed he might confide, to drop a letter of
accusation into the DENUNZIE SECRETE, or lions' mouths, which are
fixed in a gallery of the Doge's palace, as receptacles for anonymous
information, concerning persons, who may be disaffected towards the
state. 

I always thought the expression came from throwing Christians to the lions...but maybe not??

Think the expression is "lion's den"-could still be relevant though.

I've rather put it to one side, I'm afraid!

Was I all alone in carrying on to the bitter end??? Lol

Thank goodness it's over, I started optimistically and was quite cheered by the first chapters, oh this isn't going to be too bad I thought.....but you can defintitely have too much of a gothic novel....