My favourite kind of books are those with a Gothic nature, encapsulating all the enchanting aspects of Gothic literature– love, mystery, death, alluring settings and wicked plotlines. It might sound rather morbid, and it is, but that’s what makes the books so gripping. Every Gothic novel I have read has had me hooked from beginning to end – and even leaving me feeling a little empty when the book meets its end! The plotlines are always so excellently written; full of twists, horrific turns of events and scarily charming characters carrying the story from beginning to end. So, with that in mind, here are my 8 favourite Gothic reads that I think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime!
An 1818 novel published and written by English author Mary Shelley, the novel ‘Frankenstein’ depicts the story of young Victor Frankenstein, an eccentric young, Swiss scientist who creates an artificial creature/monster from pieces of corpses who seeks affection but instead, inspires hatred in everyone he comes across. The novel itself, while it’s story may be rather dark, is so thrilling and, in some aspects, quite relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, from beginning to end, and have read it a number of times purely because I enjoyed it so much.
Published in 1897, Dracula is an epistolary novel written by Bram Stoker that tells the story of Dracula – a vampire who is hundreds of years old who has many supernatural powers such as hypnosis, shape-shifting, extreme physical strength and the ability to control nocturnal animals. And the most obvious power he holds – the ability to bite someone and turn them into a vampire. The novel is set in Transylvania and the narrative is related through detailed diary entries, newspaper articles an letters, offering a different, information-rife form of writing. Dracula was another novel I really enjoyed and definitely recommend.
This novel is an undeniably excellent novel, from the scenery to the plot. I adored every part of this Gothic classic. The novel was published in April 1891 and was executed flawlessly by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. It offers many philosophical elements that further emphasise its Gothic aura. The novel is a story about a young man, Dorian Gray, whose beauty is untouched by corruption or age since his presence was recreated in a portrait painted by London artist, Basil Hallward. The Picture of Dorian Gray is truly one of the most outstanding classics ever written.
Perhaps one of the most well-known Gothic novels, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson was published in early January of 1886. Alike to the character of Victor Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll is a generous, well-respected and wise scientist who enjoys working in the darker side of science, to bring out his ‘second’ nature. The way he does this is through transforming himself into the notorious Mr Hyde – Dr Jekyll’s evil alter-ego who lacks the kindness of Jekyll and accepts no responsibility for his diabolical crimes, feeling no remorse. A chilling classic and an enticing read.
Originally written in French and published in September 1909, The Phantom of The Opera is arguably one of the most chilling Gothic novels because of its supernatural characters. The Opera Populaire in Paris is haunted by an apparition of a disfigured musician who wears a mask and resides in the basements of the opera house. The musician intends to make his protégé, Christina, the new Diva. When I read this book for the first time, I was hooked. I literally could not put the book down (e-book haha) because it was just so compelling. I wish I could read it for the first time again!
This… is the most terrifically written short story I have ever come across. The Tell-Tale Heart may only be 48 pages and a short story, but the perspective it is written from is brilliant. It is narrated by an unnamed narrator who strives to convince the reader of the narrator’s sanity while simultaneously describing a murder committed by the narrator. The contrast of sanity vs insanity is superbly written. I definitely recommend this if you’re in a reading slump or want to get into reading Gothic literature.
The third book of a set of four, The Hound of the Baskervilles is an iconic Gothic crime fiction novel featuring the one and only, Sherlock Holmes. After the rich and wealthy landowner, Sir Charles Baskerville is found deceased, detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr Watson must investigate the potentially fabricated rumour of a supernatural, otherworldly hound with luminous eyes and jaw. The story is a 20th century classic after being published in March of 1902, and with Sherlock Holmes being so well-known still, the story feels that much more authentic when reading it 120+ years after it was first released to the public.
Set in 1790 in a Dutch countryside settlement of Tarry Town (historical Tarry Town, New York State) in an isolated area known as Sleepy Hollow, the story is contained in Irving’s collection of 34 short stories and essays. The enchanting set of stories allows for a variety of different settings and themes to be read at once, making it such an easy, fun read if you’re in a slump or starting out as a reader. The film ‘Sleepy Hollow’ starring Johnny Depp based on Irving’s book is a great film too.
I hope you choose to read one of these books if you haven’t already! All of them are such great reads and if you read them, tell me your thoughts at studentlolablog@gmail.com! My personal favourites are ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘A Tell-Tale Heart’. Thank you for reading this blog post and stay tuned for more to come!
XOXO, Lola
All book links are Amazon Affiliated.
Comments