As We Await Margaret Qualley in “Victorian Psycho”, Author Virginia Feito Reveals the ‘Sick Delight’ Of the Novel“ ”(Exclusive)

Virginia Feito Unveils ‘Victorian Psycho’ – an Exclusive Insight

Virginia Feito, known for her bone-chilling narratives, such as the 2021 psychological thriller ‘Mrs. March’, now brings forth her latest work that has stirred even her own fears – ‘Victorian Psycho’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Feito reveals the dark complexities of her new novel and discusses the forthcoming A24 film adaptation.

Released on February 4 by Liveright, ‘Victorian Psycho’ delves into the story of Winifred Notty, a governess in the Victorian era, navigating through a gloomy English estate while battling her own haunting past and disturbing impulses. Drawing inspiration from the gothic literary genre of the likes of Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters, Feito infuses the narrative with the macabre essence of the era, peppered with its violent and decadent undertones.

Feito’s fascination with true crime and characters like Patrick Bateman from ‘American Psycho’ played a pivotal role in shaping Winifred’s persona. Despite facing more challenges in crafting this novel, Feito found solace in exploring Winifred’s psyche and delving into the enigmatic world of psychopaths, craving to understand the unfathomable depths of such minds.

An essential aspect of Feito’s storytelling is the interplay between horror and humour, evident in both ‘Mrs. March’ and ‘Victorian Psycho’. While the narratives carry elements of darkness and violence, the subtle infusion of humour adds a unique flavour, inviting readers to delve deeper into the characters’ twisted realities and paradoxical emotions.

The blend of horror and humour extends beyond the pages, as ‘Victorian Psycho’ is set to grace the silver screen in an adaptation by A24, featuring renowned actors Margaret Qualley and Thomasin McKenzie. Feito, set to pen the screenplay as well, expresses her anticipation for this new chapter, relishing the opportunity to witness her creation transform into a visual narrative, embracing the inevitable evolution that comes with cinematic adaptation.

Reflecting on her childhood, rooted in Madrid and Paris, Feito acknowledges her penchant for darkness, intertwined with a seemingly idyllic upbringing. Drawing from her early experiences and a household steeped in literature, Feito’s journey as a writer has been an exploration of the shadows that lurk within the human psyche, a theme that resonates deeply within ‘Victorian Psycho’.

As ‘Victorian Psycho’ takes its readers on a gripping journey through a tapestry of horror and intrigue, Feito hopes that the novel lingers in their minds long after the final page is turned, leaving behind a trace of what she describes as a “positive experience of sick delight”. With the book now available in stores, readers are invited to immerse themselves in Feito’s twisted world, where horror meets humour in a spine-chilling dance of imagination and reality.