finding comfort in gothic literature (and podcasts for book lovers)

hello.

my fingers are burning, itching, longing to skip right over summer so i can send you abundant, fruitful newsletters filled with autumnal, gothic, and spooky content. but alas, i must practice self control.

i promise i’m not going to completely contradict myself, but i am going to write about my love affair with gothic literature and classic horror novels, which you can and absolutely should be reading over the summer. as someone who runs anxious at baseline, you might assume that i would steer clear of this genre, but it just so happens to be my favorite. there is comfort knowing that you’re devouring the very thing you are afraid of. similarly to the adrenaline rush you feel after facing your biggest fears (flying for me). a haunted house with character, a ghost story, a psychological thriller, a classic witchy tale, and everything in between- these are the stories that keep me up reading until 3am.

i have several newsletters coming up about autumn books, more witchy books, and halloween books (because i love you and i can’t help but share with you the literature that makes me feel alive), so i don’t want to give away too much. but if you’re like me, and read gothic horror all year long, i want to share some of my personal favorites.

gothic literature and classic horror books to read:

frankenstein by mary shelley: one of my favorite books of all time. a groundbreaking gothic novel that explores the dark side of human ambition and the ethical dilemmas of creation. the story follows victor frankenstein, a scientist who brings a creature to life, only to face tragic consequences as his creation spirals out of control. but who is the real villain here?

coraline by neil gaiman: another all time favorite of mine. coraline is a dark fantasy that blends whimsy with horror, as young coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home leading to an alternate reality. this world mirrors her own but harbors sinister secrets, forcing her to confront her deepest fears to save her family. it’s fascinating to me whenever i see mommy bloggers recommend this film as “spooky cute”. coraline is not spooky cute. it’s beautiful and grotesque and weird and wonderful.

carmilla by joseph sheridan le fanu: a classic vampire tale (and queer!) that predates dracula, focusing on the eerie relationship between a young woman and the mysterious carmilla. the novella delves into themes of desire, fear, and the supernatural, making it a haunting exploration of gothic horror.

ghosts by edith wharton: a collection of chilling short stories that explore the eerie and often tragic intersections between the living and the dead. each tale is infused with wharton’s sharp social commentary and psychological insight, making it more than just ghost stories but studies in human nature.

rebecca by daphne du maurier: a gothic suspense novel that unravels the mysteries of manderley, a grand estate haunted by the memory of its former mistress, rebecca. the new mrs. de winter’s struggle with the shadow of her predecessor creates a tense atmosphere of jealousy, fear, and intrigue.

the turn of the screw by henry james: a psychological ghost story that blurs the line between reality and imagination, as a governess becomes convinced that the children in her care are being haunted. the ambiguity of the narrative leaves readers questioning what is real and what is not.

jane eyre by charlotte bronte: a classic novel that combines romance with gothic elements, following the life of the orphaned jane eyre. her journey towards independence and self-respect is fraught with challenges, including a mysterious secret hidden within thornfield hall. i will read this book over and over again.

dracula by bram stoker: the quintessential vampire novel that set the standard for gothic horror, telling the story of count dracula’s attempt to move from transylvania to england. through letters and journal entries, the narrative unfolds as a gripping battle between good and evil.

we have always lived in the castle by shirley jackson: a darkly atmospheric novel about two sisters living in isolation after a family tragedy. the story explores themes of alienation, fear, and the macabre, with a tone that is both unsettling and strangely compelling.

the haunting of hill house by shirley jackson: one of the most acclaimed haunted house novels, this story follows four people who come to stay at hill house, each drawn by the promise of proving or disproving the existence of ghosts. what they encounter is a terrifying psychological unraveling.

dark tales by shirley jackson: a collection of unsettling short stories that showcase jackson’s mastery of the macabre. each tale delves into the ordinary and twists it into something eerie and unexpected, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease.

(can you tell i enjoy shirley jackson?)

house of leaves by mark danielewski: an experimental horror novel that tells the story of a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. through multiple layers of narrative, the book explores themes of madness, obsession, and the unknown.

the bloody chamber and other stories by angela carter: a collection of feminist retellings of classic fairy tales, each infused with gothic elements and carter’s signature dark, sensual style. the stories are rich with symbolism and challenge traditional narratives of power and gender.

interview with the vampire by anne rice: a modern gothic classic that reimagines the vampire genre through the eyes of louis, a centuries-old vampire. as he recounts his life story, the novel explores themes of immortality, loss, and the nature of evil.

(stay tuned for more)

before i leave you, i’d also like to share a couple of podcasts i’ve been loving. if you’re an avid reader and enjoy talking about books, listening to media about books, and if books consume your entire existence, you might like these as much as i do.

podcasts for literary lovers:

-the book review by the new york times: these episodes in particular…

-overdue: i enjoyed these…

-lastly, the shakespeare and company interview, these episodes in particular…

okay, that’s all for today.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated. 

i love you.

bye.

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