Books matching: southern gothic elements
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- #1
'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner is a challenging yet rewarding novel that chronicles the decline of an aristocratic Southern family, delving into themes of family dynamics, mental illness, and the burden of Southern history. The book is divided into four sections, each narrated from a different character's perspective, including Benjamin, a severely mentally handicapped son, Quintin, a suicidal Harvard student, and Jason, a resentful younger son, along with an omniscient narrator.
The writing style of 'The Sound and the Fury' is described as stream of consciousness, with the narrative structure playing with time and structure to create a sense of disorientation and dread. Faulkner's intricate prose weaves together the internal thoughts and experiences of the characters, offering a deep exploration of their lives, relationships, and the slow implosion of their family.
Through the fence, between the curling flower spaces, I could see them hitting. They were coming toward where the flag was and I went along the fence. Luster was hunting in the grass by the flower tre... - #2
Dagon by Fred Chappell is a short novel set in the world of the mythos, focusing on a protagonist named Peter Leland who gradually loses his will and life to a fishoid entity named Mina. The story unfolds in an ancient temple where Peter is held captive in chains, depicting his descent into madness and the mysterious happenings surrounding him. The writing style is described as slow, atmospheric, and moody, building tension as Peter investigates the dark secrets of his home.
About 9:30 the next morning he entered the downstairs room which faced the almost painfully blue west and the tall ridge across the little valley, the room which his grandparents had used to call the... - #3
Barry Hannah's 'Airships' is a collection of short stories that delve into the messy, chaotic, and sometimes surreal aspects of life in the American South. The stories range from historical to fantastical, with a writing style that is described as trippy, prosaic, and brutally imaginative. The book explores themes of Southern gothic, bleak underbellies of white America, and post-apocalyptic futures, all while showcasing Hannah's unique and passionate approach to storytelling.
When I am run down and flocked around by the world, I go down to Farte Cove off the Yazoo River and take my beer to the end of the pier where the old liars are still snapping and wheezing at one anoth... - #4
"All The Sinners Bleed" by S. A. Cosby is a gripping crime novel that follows Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff of Charon County, Virginia, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders involving high school students. The story delves into themes of racial tensions, religious beliefs, and the challenges faced by a Black sheriff in a southern state. The writing style is described as captivating, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers guessing until the end.
The book explores the dark secrets and deception within the small town of Charon, echoing real-life issues while maintaining a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative. Cosby's ability to create fully fleshed-out characters, particularly Titus Crown, and to address complex social issues with sharp wit and a social conscience, sets this crime novel apart in the genre.
- #5
Blood Kin by Ronald Kelly is a classic vampire tale set in Green Hollow, Tennessee, where an ancient vampire, Josiah Craven, is accidentally awakened and wreaks havoc on the town. The story unfolds with nail-biting tension as Josiah goes after his blood kin, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engrossed. Kelly's writing style is described as captivating, with well-developed characters and a perfect blend of old-fashioned horror elements and modern storytelling techniques.
- #6
'Unworthy' by Michael LaPointe is a gripping horror story that delves into the dark and twisted world of evil, sin, and redemption. The book follows the lives of deeply deranged and broken characters, such as Ezra and Sister Randa, who commit terrible acts in the name of God and religion. The plot is filled with brutal and graphic scenes, taking readers on a journey through death, cannibalism, rape, circus freaks, and religious fanatics. Despite the shocking content, the author's writing style draws readers in by making even the most disturbing characters relatable and sympathetic.
When you're poor, the world stops caring about you. When you have no money, no assets, no benefits, no home - when you have no purpose – people stop giving a damn. You're no longer a member of society... - #7
Set in the small community of Babylon in the Florida panhandle near the Styx River, 'Cold Moon Over Babylon' by Michael McDowell is a chilling Gothic horror novel that unfolds a tale of supernatural revenge after a young girl named Margaret is murdered. The story delves into the lives of the Larkin family, particularly Grandma Evelyn, Jerry, and Margaret, who are trying to make ends meet by selling blueberries at the local market. As the mysterious murders unfold, an evil presence makes itself known, seeking justice and retribution, leading to a thrilling combination of crime and horror genres. McDowell's writing style intricately weaves together the elements of small-town life, sudden deaths, shocking violence, and supernatural occurrences, creating a vivid and textured narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Three roads lead out of Babylon. The first takes you to Pensacola, forty miles to the southeast. In Pensacola are the Escambia County Courthouse, the discount liquor stores, the dog tracks, and the d... - #8
A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher is a horror story with a unique twist, blending humor with creeping suspense. The plot follows Sam, an entomologist, who moves in with her mother in her deceased grandmother's house, only to discover eerie occurrences and changes in her family and surroundings. As Sam delves deeper into the mysteries of the house and its history, she uncovers unsettling truths that lead to unexpected dangers, all while maintaining a sense of realism and relatability in the characters' reactions and behaviors.
- #9
"Down River" by John Hart follows the story of Adam Chase, a man who returns to his hometown in North Carolina after being acquitted of a murder charge. The plot revolves around the mystery surrounding Adam's past, his family dynamics, and the suspicions that still linger in the town. As Adam tries to piece together his fractured relationships and navigate through the secrets of his past, he finds himself entangled in a web of violence and suspicion once again. The writing style in the book is praised for its beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and the ability to create a sense of place in a Southern setting.
The river is my earliest memory. The front porch of my father’s house looks down on it from a low knoll, and I have pictures, faded yellow, of my first days on that porch. I slept in my mother’s arms ... - #10
'In a Lonely Place' by Karl Edward Wagner is a horror short story collection that has been praised for its haunting and unforgettable tales. The book contains seven dark and well-crafted stories that are considered gems of the horror genre. Wagner's writing style is described as classic horror with excellent development of tried and true premises, presented in new and interesting ways, making the stories still effective even after many years.