Antioch author's novel tells story of Hungary's 'Blood Countess'

Since her death in 1614, historians have tried to decide whether Countess Erzsebet Bathory known as Hungary's “Blood Countess” murdered at least three dozen women and girls who worked for her.

In her new novel, “The Countess,” Antioch author Rebecca Johns paints Bathory as a child following her mother's advice and a woman trying to earn her husband's love.

The story begins with Bathory being walled into a castle tower in 1611 for the murder of dozens of women and girls. Her only visitors are a butler, who brings her modest meals, and a priest, who tries to persuade Bathory to confess her sins and ask for God's forgiveness.

“The Countess” is told from Bathory's perspective. She is writing a letter to her only son, pleading with him to come and save her. She tells her life story, starting with her childhood. Her mother told her that her beauty was her power, and Bathory watched her mother discipline servants by stripping them and making them work outside all day.

The first time Bathory tried this tactic was the first time that her future husband looked at her with interest. Although it was an arranged marriage, Bathory wanted to be loved. She assumed that he approved of her actions, and they learned to love each other because of the harsh methods he used on the battlefield and she used in the castle.

The story is a unique perspective on Bathory's life. Johns shows her in a sympathetic light. (Bathory usually punishes girls for rumors or admissions of sleeping with her husband.)

“The Countess” walks a fine line between being a repulsive story of murder and gore and a tale of a woman defending her home and honor. Johns expertly manages that balancing act.