Women of Gothic Literature
Known as the female "mother" of gothic literature, as Horace Walpole in his Castle of Otranto is the father, we place this book as first of to be read amongst the authors. It is massive in volume and be forewarned it is hard to get into, however once you figure out how Ann Radcliffe likes to utilize her settings to add the supernatural it settles into a gothic literature extraordinaire. It has the Castle of Udolpho as a symbol of fear and confinement for the main character Emily. It can be more psychological in nature than supernatural but yet it has both.
The spooky haunted house story. What happens when a house wants you to stay forever? Shirley Jackson spins a wonderful spooky tale. One I revisit every Halloween time, along with the tv show named after it.
Anne Rice's classic horror and cult of the vampire. The book that started it all. It is not about a female heroine but that of a vampire and a male vampire at that. However, this is a classic gothic horror novel by an amazing women named Anne Rice, who lived and died in our era and utilizes the newer more modern way of times to tell a story old as time.
This novel, more like a satirical play on the Gothic genre, is about a young girl who is obsessed with Ann Radcliffe's Mysteries of Udolpho and what happens when your imagination runs away, you almost lose the love you wish for. So, if you want a giggle and love Austen, read this book!
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter is a short story within a book of retelling of "fairy tales". With the name of the book and the cover being based off maybe the young damsel being locked away in a tower. Young, innocent girl marries wealthy older man, he sweeps her away into his home where his other 3, yes three wives mysteriously disappeared. The lord of the manor leaves the house and that is when the mystery of the missing wives and what happens when you go into places you are told not to. Also, this is another book that has psychological symbols throughout.
A haunted castle/mansion. A "ghost", A girl, a man and a fight to get what they wish for in their lives. Peace and happiness. The first book that had hooked me into the gothic literature. Jane, just a plain girl, nothing extraordinary put into such circumstances and wishes to love, but things in the night are not what it seems.
Another Bronte sister, this time Emily. An ancient manor, a secret love, Catherine, Heathcliffe and the madness that sweeps the home aptly named Wuthering Heights. What haunts this manor? Read and find out!
Noted as Southern Gothic, setting in the south, racial struggles, violence, decay and a ghostly spirit? Post Civil war and forces the reader to confront the inner psychological dilemma of post war conflict. It's deep, dark and a tough read, however it makes you confront issues noone likes to do so.
A solicitor is sent to assess a home. Out in the Marshes, the town knows of a secret. The scream of a child in the night. Haunted by the past and the terrors that revisit the home he learns the mystery of the town and is aware that he will never be the same.
Another creature feature. But it is not what you would think of when you hear the name Frankenstein. It is the story written by a 16-year-old girl...one night in a house owned by Polidori and with her husband Percy Byron Shelley as a game as to whom can create the scariest of stories. What better could be that of a creature, created by man from other parts of dead men. The book is more of a journey of faith, and love. Frankenstein is not even the creation; it is the creator. A most fascinating read!
Next is another classic they call romantic suspense, but to me it's Gothic by Daphne Du Maurier called Rebecca. It is like a rags to riches sort of book, but add the mysterious late wife named "Rebecca" and the home named Manderley and let the imagination fly.
Another variation of gothic, Mexican Gothic, set in Mexico. The haunted manor, young girl going to help her family member under distress. BUT something is not quite right within the manor or the people who reside within. It's a mystery and interesting read.
Last but not least is my utmost favorite gothic literature read. It is mere 12-page book. Each and every time I read the book I find something new and interesting. It's a gothic, psychological book. The yellow wallpaper is a symbol for all as it fade's slowly with time. Which in essence means something different to everyone.