Best Classic, Gothic Reads for the Spooky Season
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It’s finally October and you know what that means. Spooky season has officially arrived. If you’re like me and enjoy this time to cozy up and read a book, here are some fantastic Gothic reads to immerse yourself in this Halloween season.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
This is a go-to classic vampire tale for any Gothic enthusiast. The creepy atmosphere of the book and its beautiful prose make it the perfect read for Halloween. The novel explore themes of fear, the clash between modern science and ancient folklore, and the fight against the influence of evil.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Another timeless classic Gothic novel. If you love a blend of horror, science fiction, and tragic themes in humanity, you’ll love this one. This book explores the dangers of ambition and moral responsibility that come along with scientific discovery. It also shows the consequences of playing God without considering what may happen.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
I absolutely adore this novel! And while it’s regarded more toward romance, there are several elements of Gothicism within. This is a dark and passionate tale of love, revenge, and the destructive nature of obsession.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This classic Gothic novel is my favorite of all time. I thoroughly enjoy how Wilde looks into the themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. If you’re looking for a read that gets you wondering about the cost of morality for one’s integrity, this one is for you.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Another Gothic romance that’s an absolute classic. This novel is full of mystery and intrigue within Manderley Mansion. There is a feeling of impending doom and dread as Mrs. de Winter feels overshadowed by Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, and uncovers the dark secrets that are involved.
The Fall of the House of Usher (and other stories) by Edgar Allan Poe
Poe has always had the best Gothic stories out there, from “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Raven,” and “The Cask of Amontillado.”
What books will you be reading this month?
