Every summer, I try to have some sort of theme for my reading habits. Not that I limit myself to one genre, but I try to really delve into a certain area of study, just as I would for a literature class at college. After reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which I'm sure you all know I loved, since I rambled about it for multiple blog posts, I've decided to make my theme Gothic Novels!
I'm working on creating a list of Gothics that I should read, but I need your help. The websites give me lists of books, but I don't have the all-important Book Reviews to back them up. If you've read a Gothic novel, tell me about it: was it good, bad, scary, stupid? I'd love to know what you think about this genre! There is a lot for me to choose from, but your comments might help me to narrow down my choices for the first couple of books.
Thanks guys! ;)
Well, the obvious supremely romantic Gothic novel is Jane Eyre, but I'm sure you knew that. I really don't know of many others. The novel from which stemmed all Gothic novels would be the Castle of Otranto, which is soooo funny. We read that one in my theory class this spring.
ReplyDelete@Chess...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chess! I'll put those on my list. I actually have a copy of Jane Eyre in my room right now, so perhaps I should start with that?
Dracula by Bram Stoker is an obvious classic but truth be told it wasn't one of my favorites. the story is told in an interesting way though. you read the characters' dairies and letters and newspaper articles and that's how you get the story. it's an important cultural icon, of course, and there are some cool passages, too.
ReplyDeleteGo against the grain and invest some time with HP Lovecraft. Good horror writing with a twist. Call of Cathulu is a classic.
ReplyDelete@Sarahkasper...
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Dracula is of course on the list; I"ve actually read it once before, but I found a great copy full of extra annotations which should enhance the experience :)
@jen721...
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I've heard of him, but never read anyhthing. You've got my attention; this goes at the top of the list!
The Woman in Black is really good, not sure if it is really gothic, more ghostly, but you could always do victorian ghost stories next time!
ReplyDelete@Bookish Barbara...
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll put this on the list. And perhaps you're right...I should extend my catagory to Victorian ghost stories as well...
(The Victorian period is my favorite for literature!)