Gothic Fiction: What to Look For

Behold my second guest blogger and her post about Goth fiction...Bethany North (as gothic a personal name as one could ask for, in my humble opinion...)

Gothic Fiction: What to Look For

If you are a Gothic fiction fan, you may be realizing that its popularity is having a serious comeback. If you're new to the Gothic fiction genre, you may be wondering what characterizes Gothic fiction, and exactly what to look for in the Gothic fiction genre.

In short, Gothic fiction is the popular choice of the horror genre, and it was born in the late 18th century. It is under the hood of the Romantic movement that hoped to evoke strong emotions within the reader, especially in the case of fear based on the supernatural. The main distinction to Gothic fiction is its atmosphere, where it will build suspense throughout the novel to create apprehension and anxiety within the reader. Much of this can relate to mystery, the supernatural, and even family curses. Of course, Gothic fiction wouldn't be quite as popular without the romantic element, which is why readers of both genders are often attracted to this fiction genre.

Gothic fiction is also an ideal choice for anyone interested in the past eras, especially explored historically through a novel. This can often create a dark and oppressive feel to Gothic fiction, especially if it takes place in medieval times. Many modern Gothic fiction novels still follow this trend of being set in past eras, especially in Victorian or medieval times. These same Gothic settings are often expressed in film and music, making the Gothic fiction genre a popular leader in the media industry.

If you are ready to take a dive into Gothic fiction, here are some of the top choices to get you started:

• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• The Italian by Ann Radcliffe
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice

And that is just the tip of the iceberg! Gothic fiction encompasses a strong genre with a number of novel choices, so whether you are hoping for mystery, horror, or the supernatural, you can expect all of that and more.


Bethany North's specialty site for all coffee needs and Bunn coffee makers filters can be found at The Coffee Bump.