Books matching: southern gothic fiction
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- #1
Save:"Saints at the River" by Ron Rash revolves around the tragic drowning of a 12-year-old girl in the Tamassee River in South Carolina. This event sparks a conflict between the girl's parents, who want to recover her body, and the local environmentalists who fear the impact on the river's ecosystem. The story is narrated from the perspective of Maggie Glenn, a newspaper photographer sent to cover the story, who also grapples with personal demons from her past. The novel delves into themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the complexities of life, all set against the backdrop of the southern Appalachian mountains.
Rash's writing style in "Saints at the River" is praised for its clear imagery, well-developed characters, and its ability to blend conflicts of nature, family, and guilt seamlessly. offers a poignant exploration of the emotional tensions that arise during a tragedy, showcasing the author's deep understanding of human nature and his skill in crafting a thought-provoking narrative.
That’s what I thought of on an early-May morning as I stared at the blank computer screen, imagined this newsroom forty or fifty years ago. Certainly there would have been more noise: the steady clack... - #2
Save:A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash is a gripping novel set in a small North Carolina town where a mysterious church with covered windows holds dark secrets. The story follows two brothers, Jess and Stump, whose lives take a dramatic turn after witnessing something they shouldn't have. Told from multiple perspectives, including a 9-year-old boy, an old woman, and the sheriff, the narrative weaves together themes of faith, tragedy, and redemption in a Southern Gothic setting. Cash's writing style immerses the reader in the slow, humid, and desperate atmosphere of small-town Appalachia, creating a story to be savored on a lazy afternoon.
ISAT THERE IN THE CAR WITH THE GRAVEL DUST BLOWING ACROSS the parking lot and saw the place for what it was, not what it was right at that moment in the hot sunlight, but for what it had been maybe tw... - #3
Save:In "Where All Light Tends to Go" by David Joy, the story revolves around Jacob McNeely, the son of a ruthless meth dealer, who is struggling to break free from the criminal world he was born into. Set in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the novel portrays the bleak and gritty life of Jacob as he navigates through violence, despair, and the complexities of his relationships with his family and first love, Maggie. The writing style of David Joy is described as dark, rich, compelling, and emotionally gripping, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by the characters in the story.
I hid the pickup behind a tangled row of pampas grass that had needed burning a good year or so before. The law never liked for folks to climb the water tower, but I hadn’t ever cared much for the law... - #4
Save:Candles Burning is a captivating novel that follows a story filled with memorable characters and unpredictable twists. The book seamlessly weaves together the narratives of various characters, drawing readers in with its intricate plot development and intriguing storytelling. Despite some readers finding the book to be a bit long-winded, the combination of Michael McDowell and Tabitha King's writing styles creates a unique blend of fiction that keeps readers engaged till the end. The book is described as a haunting and riveting story that explores themes of family dynamics, revenge, and complex relationships.
Stepping on a wasp barefoot—that’s unpleasant. A mouthful of sour milk—that’s unpleasant. What happened to Daddy was no mere unpleasance. It was murder. And not a cozy one. Not the butler in the libra... - #5
Save:'The Rapture of Canaan' by Sheri Reynolds is a coming-of-age story set in an isolated religious community in the South. The protagonist, Ninah, grapples with the oppressive patriarchal rule imposed by her grandfather in the Pentecostal community. As Ninah navigates the forbidden desires and repressive environment, she finds herself pregnant, leading to dramatic events that challenge the beliefs of the community. The novel delves into the complexities of faith, sexual awakening, and the struggle for freedom within a restrictive religious sect, portrayed through beautiful and powerful writing that captures the reader's attention.
With threads, hair, and twisted fabric, I weave in fragments of myself, bits of other people. I weave in lies, and I weave in love, and in the end, it’s hard to know if one keeps me warmer than the ot... - #6
Save:'Bastard Out of Carolina' by Dorothy Allison is a powerful and emotional novel set in the rural South, narrated from the perspective of a young girl named Bone. The story delves into the harsh realities of abuse, poverty, and dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly focusing on Bone's struggles with her abusive stepfather and her mother's complicity in the abuse. The writing style is described as rich and vivid, offering a poignant portrayal of the characters and their experiences, drawing readers into the world of the Boatwright family and their tumultuous lives.
The book captures the raw and heartbreaking journey of Bone as she navigates through a childhood filled with trauma, violence, and neglect. Through Allison's skillful storytelling, readers are taken on a gripping coming-of-age journey that explores themes of resilience, survival, and the complexities of familial relationships. The narrative unfolds with a mix of dark and hopeful moments, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the characters while also highlighting moments of strength and courage amidst adversity.
I’ve been cal ed Bone al my life, but my name’s Ruth Anne. I was named for and by my oldest aunt—Aunt Ruth. My mama didn’t have much to say about it, since strictly speaking, she wasn’t there. Mama an... - #7
Save:The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Meg Ashley, the daughter of famous author Frances Ashley. Meg's tumultuous relationship with her mother leads her to write a tell-all memoir while investigating the real-life murder mystery that inspired her mother's cult classic book, "Kitten." Set on Bonny Island, Georgia, the story weaves between the present and the past, revealing dark secrets, betrayals, and lies. As Meg delves deeper into her mother's past, she uncovers shocking truths that challenge her perception of reality.
“Kitten, dear,” her mother would say at breakfast in her musical Southern drawl, and the girl would skip from the hotel’s elegant dining room, reappearing with a fresh pitcher of orange juice for the ... - #8
Save:'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... - #9
Save:Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles is the final book in the Penn Cage trilogy, where the story picks up with Penn Cage's father, Dr. Tom Cage, on trial for murder. The book delves into the past evils and open secrets that haunt the characters, with a focus on the trial of Penn's father and the intricacies of the legal battle. The narrative weaves together elements of family drama, courtroom suspense, historical racial tensions, and a battle against corrupt forces, creating a gripping and intense story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
For the past few weeks I’ve been writing as a strategy for staying sane. Strange to admit, but there it is. Since Caitlin’s death, I’ve been having trouble with some of the basic principles of existen...
(Also, see 96 recommendations for the series Penn Cage ) - #10
Save:In the small southern town of Gatlin, South Carolina, Ethan Wate dreams of something more than his mundane life. When Lena Duchannes, the niece of the town recluse Macon Ravenwood, arrives, Ethan feels an instant connection with her. As their relationship grows, they discover secrets and magic surrounding Lena, leading to a forbidden love that is doomed before their time. The book beautifully weaves together elements of paranormal romance, forbidden love, and Southern gothic setting, creating an engaging story with twists and turns that keep the readers wanting more.
The plot of "Beautiful Creatures" follows Ethan and Lena as they navigate their unique connection, magical occurrences, and the challenges of their love in a town steeped in history and mystery. The writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystical elements, and engaging character development, offering readers a rich and immersive reading experience that blends romance, fantasy, and Southern charm.
My head was throbbing. I fell back down on the bed, and the dream receded as it always did. I was safe in my room, in our ancient house, in the same creaking mahogany bed where six generations of Wate...
