Every year October brings with it a surreal atmosphere filled with les feuilles mortes, gossamers, menacing pumpkins, gothic manors and the wind whispering through the chimes, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. But more importantly, it brings something for everyone. Whether you’re a sucker for vampires, or a doomed bride running down an abandoned castle hall, or a body-horror fanatic, or want to awaken your esoteric inclinations, or maybe all of the above, then keep reading, because The Bombay Circle Press has put together recommendations for 5 books that you should read this Halloween!!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
For fans of psychological gothic horror, acclaimed horror queen, the American writer, Shirley Jackson brings The Haunting of Hill House. Our main character, Eleanor, is plagued by someone, or some spirit that keeps telling her to “come home.” Her anxiety heightens as she is singled out and the house smirks as it leads her to lose her grip on reality. Sounds familiar? Are you also unable to tell fact from fiction during the spooky season? Then let this be your first read.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
An internet subculture that has been largely popular in recent years is dark academia. Which means that Halloween is almost incomplete without the aestheticization and romanticization of a moody, vintage atmosphere. Our protagonist, Alex, is haunted by the ghosts at Yale and the metaphorical demons of her past. Ninth House unpacks the ugly effects of trauma and the gall of people in power. Magic aside, the book also expounds upon realistic themes: “You couldn’t keep sidling up to death and dipping your toe in. Eventually it grabbed your ankle and tried to pull you under.” If you’re intrigued by secret societies and all that goes on behind closed doors, then this is your best bet.
The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim
Have you ever thought about what it’d be like to touch an eyeball? Perhaps even eat one? How about ocean blue eyes? Your skin crawls when you are trapped in a situation entirely out of your control; this is the story of a young Korean American woman, Ji-Won, and her path to becoming a serial killer. And you and I are witnesses. If you’re still not over Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey where he gives us a graphic depiction of Circe turning men into pigs, then The Eyes are the Best Part is a book you’d definitely love.” P.S: this book is gory. Gore is an understatement. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!!
The Wax Child by Olga Ravin
For you, maybe October–like the rest of life– is not linear. You crave something experimental, something poetic, something that breaks away from the shackles of structure. Maybe the present is overbearing for you and you need an escape to the past? Maybe your escape details the tragedy of 17th century Danish women condemned for witchcraft, viewed through a detached gaze. Maybe you also glimpse spells, grimoires, blood, herbs, bodily fragments as you assimilate yourself in this world. If this sounds like you, then you might want to pick up The Wax Child by Olga Ravin.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
It would be an absolute blasphemy if we raved about Halloween but didn’t mention a classic. I think you can guess this one: Dracula by Bram Stoker. What is a spooky season if not turning the clock back to the cultural blueprint for Vampires. The original. Told through a mosaic of diary entries, ship logs, telegrams, and newspaper clippings, the epistolary format makes the supernatural feel immediate and uncomfortably real. Stoker creates a sense of chilling authenticity and we promise you, this might just become your Halloween staple!
In her 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables, L.M.Montgomery wrote, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it?” and we couldn’t agree more. For October brings with it trick-or-treat, smores, hot-chocolate, a cozy blanket and Halloween book recommendations. For more such gripping worlds to get lost in, make sure to follow The Bombay Circle Press Bulletin.