Halloween invites us to explore the darker realms of literature, and few genres lend themselves to this as naturally as Gothic fiction. With its eerie atmosphere, haunting characters, and rich psychological depth, Gothic literature offers a perfect blend of mystery, horror, and romance. These novels don’t just entertain; they invite us to confront our deepest fears and explore the boundaries of human emotion and morality. Below is a selection of the most captivating Gothic novels—classics and modern entries alike—that provide ...

Scandinavian Noir, often referred to as Nordic Noir, has emerged as a powerful subgenre within crime fiction, renowned for its bleak landscapes, morally ambiguous characters, and intricate plots. This genre, rooted in the rich literary traditions of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, not only captivates readers but also invites them to engage with pressing social issues. Over the past few decades, the influence of Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish crime fiction has extended far beyond the Nordic countries, shaping global literature and ...

The tales of Odin, Thor, Loki, and other deities from Old Norse mythology have captivated audiences for centuries. These legends, deeply rooted in Nordic culture, encapsulate the values, fears, and aspirations of the ancient Norse people. Today, the enduring appeal of these stories continues to inspire a myriad of modern reinterpretations across various mediums, breathing new life into ancient myths. From literature and film to video games, digital art, music, and urban art, contemporary culture reimagines these timeless legends, demonstrating ...

In the heart of the Emerald Isle, where the lush green hills meet the tumultuous seas, lies a rich literary tradition woven through centuries of struggle, joy, and defiance. Irish literature is not merely a collection of texts; it is a vibrant tapestry of voices, echoing the dreams and sorrows of its people. From the poignant poetry of W.B. Yeats to the fierce prose of contemporary writers like Colum McCann, Irish literature serves as both a mirror and a window—a ...

In a radio broadcast at the Festival of Britain South Bank Exhibition in 1951, Dylan Thomas said, ‘Perhaps you will go on a cool, dull day, sane as a biscuit, and find that the exhibition does tell the story… But I’m pleased to doubt it.’ While Dylan Thomas’ scepticism about the ability of objects to ‘tell the story’ suggests that the curated meaning of objects can be limited and potentially biased. Yet, Djuna Barnes’ Nightwood (1936) and James Baldwin Giovanni’s ...

Russian literature has long held a place of prestige in the global literary canon, renowned for its universal themes and profound human insights. From the sprawling epics of Leo Tolstoy to the contemporary narratives of Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Russian authors have consistently explored the depths of the human soul, societal structures, and existential questions. This essay explores the journey of Russian literature, examining its evolution from the works of Tolstoy to contemporary writers, and highlights how historical and cultural contexts have ...

From its conception, Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum (1995) begins as an unabashed rewrite of Lawrence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy (1759-67), with notes from the eighteenth-century novel ringing throughout. Ruby Lennox, Kate Atkinson’s protagonist, is ‘conceived to the chimes of midnight on the clock,’ (11) while Tristram is conceived just as his mother asks his father: ‘have you not forgot to wind up the clock?’ (5). Both novels then immediately lurch backwards in time to weave together the ...

Each year I set myself 52 books, one a week, but I always fall short, usually because I don’t enjoy most of the books I read and leave them unfinished. So, appreciating the value of a real page-turner, this list of book recommendations will have everything you need to reach your 2024 reading goals, whether you’re reigniting your childhood love for reading or finding yourself newly immersed in the comfort between the pages. 

In the broad literature landscape, certain themes have dominated more than others, often overshadowing the rich diversity of voices. One such theme is whiteness, a concept that has subtly yet profoundly influenced the narratives we consume. But what exactly is whiteness in literature, and why is it crucial to examine it? Imagine reading a novel where the characters, settings, and cultural references reflect a singular, dominant perspective. This is not a coincidence but a reflection of the pervasive nature of ...

Irish novelist Sally Rooney unravels the similar overeducated and anxious characters in different words. Her dialogues are filled with discourse or complaints on Marxism, classism, late capitalism, identity and gender politics (even more likely to take place during a vacation in Southern Europe). Her novels continue to divide readers; some find her social complications infuriating and her characters unreliable, as did John Maier who finds them indulging in ‘almost pathological degree of highly absorbed self-examination‘. Despite receiving criticism that her ...