Happy Halloween, readers! It’s the time of year to watch old horror movies, bake delicious treats, dress up in costumes, and, if you’re like me, read gothic and horror novels. Lately, I’ve been straying from contemporary books and delving into the classic novels most people would read in their high school English class. Below, I’ve compiled the top 5 classics to read for spooky season this year. Enjoy!
1. The Picture of dorian gray by oscar wilde
Ah, the iconic and controversial Dorian Gray. This book may have been popular on ‘booktok’ thanks to the “dark academia” aesthetic, but it’s been a bestseller (and conversation starter) since it first hit the shelves in 1891. The story follows Dorian Gray, a beautiful and charming man who is friends with Basil Howard, an artist infatuated with Dorian’s beauty and who paints a portrait of him. But under the influence of the clever and hedonistic Lord Henry, Dorian understands his beauty will fade with age, and, after making a fateful wish, steps deep into a life of cruelty, immorality, corruption, and crime, all while remaining timelessly youthful and beautiful throughout the years. The catch? His soul’s corruption is presented on the portrait, growing older and uglier with every sin he commits.
Filled with unforgettable dialogue and stunning plot twists, this book has remained a hot and controversial topic for ages in the literary and philosophical worlds, filled with murder, cruelty, and horror – perfect to read around the spooky time of Halloween.
2. JANE EYRE BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE
Want something gothic, romantic, haunting, and written by a woman, about a woman? Charlotte Bronte’s got you covered. Jane Eyre tells the story of the orphaned and outcast Jane, who after varying misfortunes and suffering throughout her life, is accepted to come work at the wealthy mansion of Thornfield Hall. She is hired by the mysterious and brooding Edward Rochester to be a caretaker and governess to his ward, Adèle. As she finds herself falling for Mr. Rochester, Jane also finds herself in a mansion of gloomy halls, terrifying secrets, and a series of unnerving events. She begins to suspect that Mr. Rochester may be keeping a dark secret from her.
Suspenseful, emotional, and haunting, Charlotte Bronte weaves a dramatic love story through a gothic storyline, making it great to read on Halloween night to make your spooky season extra spooky.
3. THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Let’s be honest, along with midterms coming up and the workload university gives, October is short and gothic novels are long. That’s why The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is perfect. Originally published as a novella in 1886, it follows Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, as he investigates the close relation between his dear friend Dr. Jekyll, a respected and kind doctor, and a man by the name of Mr. Hyde, a cruel and murderous criminal haunting the streets of London. Utterson’s investigation leads to the discovery of multiple unnerving and strange events between the two, and soon reveals the massive control and influence Hyde seems to have over Jekyll’s life.
In such a short book, the story develops in a clever yet fast-paced manner that leaves readers hooked and stunned with every page turned. Trust me, once you’ve read a few pages, you’ll understand why this book was such a defining piece of literature for the gothic horror genre in a time like the late 19th century. Also, I’m almost positive that Robert Louis Stevenson named his character Hyde simply so he could write the line “If he be Mr. Hyde, . . . I shall be Mr. Seek.”
4. Northanger Abbey BY JANE AUSTEN
No list of classics is complete without a Jane Austen mention, especially not a list written by me. That’s why I’ve pulled up Northanger Abbey. If you’re interested in a more lighthearted and Austen narrative style read that still includes gothic vibes, look no further. Northanger Abbey follows Catherine Morland, a naive and innocent 17-year-old with a habit of mixing her real life with the books she reads (and don’t lie, we’ve all been there…). While spending a few weeks in Bath with a family friend, Catherine meets the handsome and funny Henry Tilney, who invites her to visit Northanger Abbey, his family’s estate. But as she roams the beautiful mansion, Catherine’s mind is flooded with the gothic thrillers she so fondly reads. Is Henry part of some elaborate conspiracy? What mysteries lie in the death of his mother? What secrets lie in these dark and gloomy halls?
Satirical, hilarious, and with just enough horror vibes to match the mood for spooky season, Austen creates an intriguing and memorable tale exploring love, sensibility, horror, and just how impactful fiction is – and should – be.
5. FRANKENSTEIN BY MARY SHELLEY
Last, but most definitely not least, is the memorable Frankenstein. This book has been sitting on my shelf glaring at me for a few months now, but I just haven’t gotten around to reading it (thanks, midterm season), so I can’t tell you if the book really does say “It’s alive! IT’S ALIVE!!!” Either way, this book sounds way too intriguing to pass up. Published in 1818 by another brilliant female author, Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young and eccentric scientist who, after studying chemistry and the process of human decay and creation, seeks to create his own being, one who is immortal. The creation? An 8 feet tall, impulsive and disturbing monster. But when the monster attempts to fit into normal human society and is turned away, Victor regrets creating the creature, leading it to seek revenge against the scientist.
If you’re looking for something haunting, philosophical, and what’s considered “the first true science-fiction,” Frankenstein sounds worthwhile.
If you’re into classic novels, or are hoping to get into them, these books are perfect to check out this time of year, so check them out to get into the Halloween mood! Happy reading!