4 Must-Read Classic Gothic Novels for Lovers of Dark Literature
Ever been drawn to gothic fiction? Think eerie mansions, mysterious characters lurking in the dark, women in ghostly white dresses descending grand staircases or maybe, like me, you love a good old-fashioned monster tale. It’s a genre that’s both unsettling as it is fascinating.
Well, during the pandemic in 2021, life took an expected pause, leaving me with enough time to revisit some beloved classics of gothic literature that had been sitting unopened on my bookshelf for far too long. With nothing but time on my hands, I immersed myself in each one, making full use of my reading nook and coffee machine.
So, here are my four recommendations for classic gothic novels that deserve a spot on your TBR list.
#01. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Originally Published: 1897. Original Publisher: Archibald Constable and Company. Pages: 418
It was during my high school days that I first read Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Back then, exploring literature from the 19th century felt like I was trying to decipher a secret code. But Dracula broke the mould for me. It’s readability is a testament to Stoker’s skill as a storyteller. I found it refreshingly easier to read than many of its contemporaries, making it a perfect starting point into the world of classic gothic literature.
The Story:
Jonathan Harker, a solicitor from London, is summoned to Transylvania to instigate a real estate deal for the Count Dracula, so he can purchase some homes and apartments. Soon after arriving at Castle Dracula, Harker is held prisoner. Under Dracula’s watchful eyes, Harker tries desperately to escape and attemps to send word to his fiancé Mina Murray via letters (which the Count intercepts). It’s here that Harker’s captor decides to ditch his dishevelled castle and antiquated style, leaving Harker as a blood bag for his three vampire wives.
In England, Count Dracula begins to stalk his victims with malicious intent. He even terrorises Harker’s fiancé and her best friend, Lucy Westenra. The only man who can help slay the Count is Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, a scientist who’s been looking for Dracula his entire life.
What elevates Dracula to a must-read status for any gothic fiction buff is its refusal to be pigeonholed as a mere creepy creature tale. Instead, this novel delves into profound themes about morality, the essence of life and death, the complex interplay of human sexuality, and the clash of foreign ideals. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page is turned. And the fact that it’s an epistolary novel filled with letters, ship logs, newspaper clippings, and diary entries makes it all the more fun.
This one is a long read, though, so be sure to set aside a few hours a week.
Notable passage: “What matter of man is this, or what manner of creature is it in the semblance of man? I feel the dread of this horrible place, overpowering me. I am in fear, in awful fear and there is no escape for me.”
#02. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Originally Published: 1818. Original Publisher: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones. Pages: 280
I won’t sugarcoat it: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was a challenging read. The writing style from the early 19th century can feel a bit old-fashioned to modern readers. Nevertheless, completing it marked a personal triumph. Out of all the titles on this list, Frankenstein can be seen as the cornerstone of modern gothic literature, a novel that demands attention.
The Story:
Victor Frankenstein is a clever scientist whose fascination with the secrets to life and death leads him down a dangerous road. In his mission to unlock the mysteries of reanimation, he scavenges grave yards and dissection rooms in the hope of creating a perfect human being. He uses cadaverous materials, bits and pieces of human body parts, which he believes will bring his daring experiment to life. What emerges, though, is a grotesque and disturbing creation, an assemblage of yellowed skin stitched together, a withered complexion, uneven teeth and sinister black lips — all the features of a man-monster.
As the creature opens his eyes, Victor is confronted with the terrifying reality of his own actions. Overcome by fear and disgust, he leaves his monstrous creation all alone, leaving it to fend for itself in a world that loathes its existence.
As far as classic stories go, this has all the elements required to frighten and compel you. It’s the second shortest novel on this list, but maybe the most important. For this one, set aside a few hours a week and dive into it.
Notable Passage: “I collected the instruments of life around me that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet.”
#03. Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Originally Published: 1872. Publisher: Prime Classics Library. Pages: 110
When I was once asked to read Carmilla for a school assignment, I had no idea it was the pioneer of female gothic vampire tales. Discovering this 110 page novella was like finding a lost city. It has since secured a special spot among my favourite classic gothic reads.
The Story
The story is set in the gloomy Austrian mountains of Styria. We follow a young girl named Laura who lives a lonely existence with her father and their servants. Throughout her early childhood, Laura experienced visions of a strange figure lurking at her bedside. Her father, however, dismissed the visions as mere flights of fancy. One day, a carriage crashes outside of the castle and introduces Laura to a girl named Carmilla. Laura seems to recognise her from previous visions she had as a child. The two become fast friends, and a sense of unease and erotic tension grows between them.
Later, the villagers in Styria begin to die unexpectedly and slowly Laura’s own health starts to deteriorate as she suspects that Carmilla isn’t what she seems. With the assistance of General Spielsdorf, Laura’s father investigates Carmilla’s true identity and her connection to an ancient vampire legend.
Carmilla holds the distinction of being the original vampire story, predating Dracula by about 25 years. Steeped in sexual tension and gothic romance, it depicts all the elements of the gothic: supernatural intrigue, mysterious characters, isolated castle, blurred lines between life and death, and issues of identity, sexuality, and morality. It’s a read that may exceed your initial expectations, given that it’s so short.
For this one, take a day or two of uninterrupted reading time and get lost in its pages. You won’t regret it.
Notable passage: “You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever.”
#04. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Published: 1938. Original Publisher: Victor Gollancz Ltd. Pages: 428
I finally read Rebecca after watching the Netflix adaptation. Once I started though, I couldn’t put it down. The mysterious story of Manderley and the ghostly secret history of Rebecca.
The Story
Rebecca is a tale of a young, vulnerable, and inexperienced woman who works as a lady’s companion (or assistant) to the wealthy Mrs. Van Hopper. When she suddenly meets the older, Maxim de Winter, the two quickly fall in love. They marry and he takes her to live in his secluded mansion called Manderley.
Once Maxim’s new wife settles into Manderley, she begins to be haunted by constant reminders of his dead wife, the late Rebecca de Winter. Adding to the gloomy atmosphere is his intimidating housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who’s constantly comparing her to her new husband’s dead wife. As the story unfolds, the protagonist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth surrounding Rebecca’s death.
What makes Rebecca standout is its blending of psychological suspense and gothic framework. Themes of jealousy, betrayal, and insecurity are explored through the protagonist’s journey into herself by way of the endless dark corners of her new home.
A note has to be made about the narration of the book and the sweeping descriptions of the isolated Manderley. At times, I got the impression that Du Maurier herself was completely as swept up in her own language as I was reading it. Other times, I found her sentences to be a bit sensationalised, but I still enjoyed them immensely.
Start this one a few hours a week with a strong cup of coffee, as the reading can get very heavy, but only in the ways we like it.
Notable passage: “Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me.”
I’d love to know what your favourite classic gothic novels are.
