A History of Spooky Books to Read at Halloween
The darker side of the Canon
1. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
Following the advice of Julie Andrews, I shall start at the very beginning. The Castle of Otranto was written in 1764 and is often quoted as the Grandpapa of Gothic novels. I frequently liken the style to Magical Realism- a lot of very strange things happen in a deliciously supernatural undercurrent. It is curious, isn’t it, that genres often stray so far from their origins that their birthing texts become delightfully refreshing. A short and easy read, I highly recommend this read to anyone in search of something a little different. If that doesn’t
sell it to you, my final pitch is that a man manages to get himself murdered by a hat, so…
But alas! my Lord, what is blood! what is nobility! We are all reptiles, miserable, sinful creatures. It is piety alone that can distinguish us from the dust whence we sprung, and whither we must return. -The Castle of Otranto
2. The Mysteries of Udulpho: a Romance by Ann Radcliffe
Most people come across this book when it is referenced in Jane Austen’s satirical, Gothic-mocking classic, Northanger Abbey (also an excellent spooky read…). This book is written very much in the classic Regency style- it’s all stunning vistas, innocent maids and dastardly uncles. Honestly, if Emily (the heroine) didn’t spend so much time weeping, the book would probably be half the length, but if you can get past that, the plot is gratifyingly mysterious. If Walpole is the Grandaddy of the Gothic Novel, Radcliffe must be the Grandmama of Gothic Romance. If you love history and the Gothic- and you don’t have many plans this month, I recommend giving it a try.
He loved the soothing hour, when the last tints of light die away; when the stars, one by one, tremble through æther, and are reflected on the dark mirror of the waters; that hour, which, of all others, inspires the mind with pensive tenderness, and often elevates it to sublime contemplation. -The Mysteries of Udulpho
3. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
A surprising number of people pass this little beauty by. A wee slip of a book, it’s perfect for warming yourself up the week of Halloween. Much like Radcliffe, Hill has really revolutionised the genre over her long and productive career- It is, of course, disputed, but to me, she will always be the mother of modern suspense writing. I find reading Hill’s books much like being charmed by the gentle and elegant sway of a cobra- only to strike, when her sophisticated writing style has you in its grasp. Recommended for those who don’t have four years and an inexhaustible supply of patience to spend on Radcliffe. Possibly the most terror-inducing book on the list.
I have sat here at my desk, day after day, night after night, a blank sheet of paper before me, unable to lift my pen, trembling and weeping too. -The Woman in Black
4. The Vampyre by John William Polidori
I am not sure why familial metaphors are so ingrained in my analysis today, but it is relevant to note that The Vampyre was in fact the birthing partner of Shelley’s Frankenstein. Polidori wrote it when on holiday with Byron and the Shelley’s, on a dark and stormy night (obviously) when they held a scary story competition. P. Shelley and Byron realised they weren’t going to win against Frankenstein so gave up play, but Polidori persisted. It is often slated by critics- Polidori painted as the untalented, bumbling friend amongst so much talent, but I think this does him a disservice. It is true, his sentences are so long that one does occasionally speculate that there must only be a dozen full stops in the entire work- perhaps Polidori assumes most of his audience may already be the undead and can survive on fewer stops for breath. What The Vampyre lack in technical prowess, it makes up for in charm. A very quick little read, I for one support Polidori’s right to write without inherent word-smithing genius.
Aubrey began to attach himself more and more to Ianthe; her innocence, so contrasted with all the affected virtues of the women among whom he had sought for his vision of romance, won his heart; and while he ridiculed the idea of a young man of English habits, marrying an uneducated Greek girl, still he found himself more and more attached to the almost fairy form before him. -The Vampyre
5. The Island of Doctor Moreau by H G Wells
This book really gives me the heebie-jeebies. The 1977 film was available on Netflix (may well still be…) but neither that, nor the 90’s attempt with David Thewlis and Marlon Brando, can in any way replicate the impeccable crafting of this novel. If you prefer Sci-fi to distilled gothic horror, this novel is perfect for you. Moreau’s clinical character is almost Hannibal Lecter-ian in his approach to his hobbies, it makes for a chilling, uncomfortable read. Wells, as usual, marries politics and philosophy into his writing to create a piece which is not only disturbing, but thought-provoking. If you like lying awake staring at the ceiling questioning the basis of human morality- get yourself a compendium of Wells.
An animal may be ferocious and cunning enough, but it takes a real man to tell a lie. -The Island of Doctor Moreau
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