Gothic Novels To Read Plus How To Make The Most Of An Autumn Evening

Today I’m suggesting 6 gothic novels to read, as well as giving some ideas for how to elevate an evening at home to make the most of that spooky, cozy feeling.

I can’t be the only one who likes the idea of feeling spooky in autumn but hates horror films and haunted houses. A cerebral thriller is about where I draw the line on movies. And a hayride or bon fire will always trump a haunted house for me.

Even so there’s something about autumn that gives me a craving to do something just a bit scary. Nothing actually terrifying, and definitely not anything campy or cheesy.

I discovered Gothic novels about a year ago and they are just the thing.

What Are Gothic Novels?

There isn’t one quick way to define a Gothic novel, rather there are many elements that make one up. And so they vary considerably. The ones I’ve read so far I’d consider to be Gothic-lite, if you’ll allow me.

The Brontes, while certainly falling within this genre, seem to me more subtle in these Gothic elements, while others (Henry James for one) are more outright with their themes of ghosts and the macabre.

All this being said, I’m clearly no literary expert, so forgive me if I muddle terms or do any of the authors an injustice. Some of these might not technically fall into either the “Gothic” label or even the “novel” label (The Turn of the Screw might be considered a novella or short story).

I’m simply a fan of good literature, and this list is comprised of good literature with a Gothic bent that I’ve enjoyed on many a chilly autumn night. I hope they invoke the same feelings in you that they did me; shivery, goose-bumpy feelings that make you grateful for a safe home and a warm blanket.

Now let’s get to the list. Be sure to glance through the fun ideas to make the most of your chosen novel.

Gothic Novels To Read

Jane Eyre

I had to put this one first because it remains my favorite Gothic so far and one of my favorite books ever.

Even though the age of this book far surpasses any need for a spoiler alert, I don’t want to ruin it for you if you’ve never had the pleasure. In short, Jane Eyre is the story of an orphan girl of the same name who struggles through a difficult childhood with a strong moral compass in tact. It is ultimately a love story with plenty of eerie happenings, visions, nightmares and gusting winds. In a word, delicious.

Wuthering Heights

I liked this one nearly as much as Jane Eyre, but in my humble opinion Emily Bronte doesn’t quite match her sister in subtlety. If you love a good ghost story though, you’ll probably love Wuthering Heights more.

I listened to this one last fall while on evening walks and I often walked much longer than I normally would because I was so engrossed in the story.

The Turn of the Screw

This was my first foray into Gothic novels, although I believe it’s technically considered a novella. That aside, this is the most ghostly of the ones I’ve read. I especially enjoyed thinking back on this one after I’d finished it. While again I don’t want to spoil anything for a first-time reader, just bear in mind that not everything is as it seems in this one, especially where the narrator is concerned.

Villette

I’m halfway through this one right now and while it has nowhere near the spooky atmosphere of Jane Eyre, I would still describe Villette as a Gothic novel because of its elements of unnamed tragedy, visions, unexplained events, stormy weather, and a general sense of foreboding. I love Charlotte Bronte’s rich writing and this one gives me the same cozy-yet-spooky vibes, and I’m glad I’ll be finishing it this fall.

UPDATE: I finished this one shortly after writing this post and can emphatically recommend. While a bit of a slow burn, it’s up there with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights for me. I still love Jane Eyre the most, but all of Charlotte’s talent was on display and the ending, well. I won’t ruin it but… Wow. Just read it.

Rebecca

This one is on my list so I can’t give a full endorsement here but it sounds like a must-read. The Wikipedia summary states,

“Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. The novel depicts an unnamed young woman who impetuously marries a wealthy widower, before discovering that both he and his household are haunted by the memory of his late first wife, the title character.”

I just hope it doesn’t bother me too much that the main character is unnamed. There’s also a Netflix film adaptation but the reviews don’t look too promising. I might give it a chance anyway because I love comparing books to films.

And finally…

The Castle of Otranto

Another on my list but not yet read, this one is considered to be the first Gothic novel. Although it predates the genre, or at least its peak of popularity by more than a century, all the elements are there. Plus the author added the subtitle, “A Gothic Story” in the second edition of the book.

There’s a castle, a curse, and forbidden romance. The Dover Classics summary reads, “One of the first and greatest of Gothic novels, this thrilling tale ranks among the most influential books in literary history. Serving as the model for plots, characterizations, settings, and tone for hundreds of successors, The Castle of Otranto abounds with colorful scenes, adventure, suspense, and inexplicable phenomena.”

I swear if I wasn’t already reading like 6 books I’d start this one right now.

Make An Evening Of It

• Build a Fire If it’s chilly enough to justify it, stoke up the woodstove, turn on faux fireplace, or throw the old yule log scene on the TV. A fire element adds such a homey vibe. In the words of Villette’s heroine, “we like a fireside.”
• Make a Hot Drink I have just the post for you! Here I share 7 cozy drinks with something for everyone. Whip one up and settle in with your gothic novel.

• Bake Something Spicy I love gingerbread this time of year. Pumpkin bread, apple protein muffins, or orange clove scones would all hit the spot.

• Make Beeswax Candles There’s something about drippy candles that screams Gothic novel. There are so many kits out there not to mention the old fashioned dip method. The roll-up kind are so quick to make. Stick a few around in taper candle holders and light them for that Gothic ambiance.

• Blankets You’ve gotta have a cozy blanket that you can draw up to keep the monsters at bay. Your inner child already knows this.

• YouTube Ambience This one might seem a little out there but there’s something fun in a dorky way about these ambiance channels. I’ll not lie and pretend I haven’t thrown on a little Lord of the Rings ‘The Shire’ Scene with Music. Or Gryffindor Common Room now and again while reading. Try ‘Dark Victorian Mansion’ or ‘Dark Academia Music with Rain Sounds’. There’s lots more in the same vein if neither of those quite suit you.

Pin for later

So there you have it. I hope one of these suggestions is the right balance of spooky and cozy for your next night in. I’d love to hear if you try any of the ideas!

Happy reading 🙂

-Tara