Books matching: gothic horror
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Save:Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ... - #2
Save:The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its ... The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.
Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.
My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two mid...- #4
Save:Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic novel that introduces the legend of Dracula, a Transylvanian royal seeking new hunting grounds in London. The story unfolds through letters, journals, and recordings, following a group led by Dr. Abraham Van Helsing as they combat the vampire. The book, written in 1897, captures the attention of readers from the first page to the last, defining the rules of vampires and kickstarting the vampire craze of the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite its familiarity due to movies and cultural references, Dracula remains a suspenseful and engaging read, perfect for Halloween.
Left Munich at 8.35 p.m. on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6.46, but train was an hour late. Buda-Pesth seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of... - #5
Save:Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic mystery novel that revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter, who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, looms large over the household, with the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and other characters adding to the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story is filled with plot twists, dark secrets, and a haunting sense of doom that keeps readers engaged until the shocking ending.
Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and ... - #6
Save:The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del... - #7
Save:Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.
The new doctor took her by surprise. Not that there was anything unusual in his arrival – doctors came and went often enough. But this one was young. New to the profession, as well as the place. There... - #8
Save:'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a chilling ghost story set in a remote village in northern England. The story follows a young solicitor named Arthur Kipps who is sent to settle the affairs of a deceased client, Mrs. Drablow, at the eerie Eel Marsh House. As Kipps delves into the mysterious past of the house, he encounters supernatural events and a malevolent apparition dressed in black. The narrative style of the book is described as gothic, atmospheric, and suspenseful, with a timeless quality that adds to its effectiveness as a ghost story.
The book is praised for its evocative descriptions, haunting atmosphere, and well-crafted suspense. The author, Susan Hill, skillfully builds tension and creates a sense of foreboding throughout the story, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and eerie happenings. The setting of the isolated Eel Marsh House, along with the mysterious villagers and unsettling occurrences, adds to the overall sense of unease and fear that permeates the book.
IT WAS nine-thirty on Christmas Eve. As I crossed the long entrance hall of Monk’s Piece on my way from the dining room, where we had just enjoyed the first of the happy, festive meals, towards the dr... - #9
Save:'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back... - #10
Save:In 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters, the story revolves around Doctor Faraday, who becomes entwined with the Ayres family residing in the deteriorating Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences start happening at the mansion, a mix of psychological and supernatural elements come into play, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into the decline of the English landed gentry post-World War II. Waters masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunted house but also delves deep into the characters' emotions and behaviors, creating a nuanced story set in a time of societal change and decay.
I first saw Hundreds Hall when I was ten years old. It was the summer after the war, and the Ayreses still had most of their money then, were still big people in the district. The event was an Empire ...
