The best Gothic literature includes a shocking revelation partway through the story. Here are my favorite books that fit all the main Gothic tropes (a haunted character, an independent protagonist, emphasis on nature) and still subvert expectations. ...
Sections
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19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
19th Century
A tale of greed, selfishness, and indulgence complemented by witty prose. Dorian Gray is a classic for a reason.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
If you like family drama and romance in a historical setting, this is right up your alley.
Lady Audley's Secret
Unsettling and full of room for interpretation. The perfect Gothic read if you're limited on time.
The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories
*The* ultimate Gothic tale. Features a strong female lead, a semi-haunted castle, a grumpy bachelor, and the best nature descriptions ever.
Jane Eyre
Humorous and serious when it needs to be. A wonderful read for people of all ages
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The OG vampire story. Love that there's also LGBTQ aspects, and of course, Gothic to an extreme.
Carmilla
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20th Century
I will never stop talking about this book. Starts out a little slow and turns upside down about 3/4 in. The details, symbolism, characterization…. a masterpiece. Haunting from the first page.
Rebecca T - Daphne Du Maurier: Books
A collection of Gothic short stories that reinvent popular tales (Beauty & the Beast, Red Riding Hood, etc). Prose is fantastic with a dark and unsettling tone
The Bloody Chamber
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Such an exciting take on what makes a book “Gothic”. The prose is creepy and unsettling, the story enthralling.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)|Paperback
I adore this book (as well as the musical)! Very different from the typical Gothic tale in that the supernatural aspects are more humanized
The Phantom of the Opera
Brilliantly-executed depiction of a dysfunctional family.
The Haunting of Hill House
21st Century
I'm slightly cheating by calling this “Gothic”, however, it encapsulates the vibe perfectly. Creepy, haunted prose that portrays grief and connects it to nature.
Our Wives Under the Sea
Proof that a Gothic novel set in early 20th century England can never go wrong.
The Little Stranger
Love that this modernizes the centuries-old Gothic tale while staying true to its original themes. Such a fun read!
Mexican Gothic
A well-executed story about a character's slow descent into madness. Captures the Gothic elements perfectly
