They tend to deal with disturbing themes like death, madness, and corruption. Take 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad. It shows the brutalities of colonialism and the darkness that lurks within human nature in the context of the African Congo.
Often, top dark novels have complex and morally ambiguous characters. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield is a troubled and somewhat cynical teenager. His view of the world around him is dark, which is a characteristic of many such novels.
Dark novels usually create a gloomy or oppressive atmosphere. In 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, the moors and the stormy weather add to the overall sense of melancholy and the dark, passionate relationships between the characters.
Some of the well - known dark novels could be 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It delves into the dark world of vampires. Another is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, which explores themes of creation and the horror of the unknown. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also makes the list as it shows the corruption and decay of the soul hidden behind a beautiful facade.
One characteristic is often a sense of unease. For example, in 'Mexican Gothic', the decaying mansion and the strange family create a feeling of discomfort from the start. Another is complex characters with dark pasts or motives. In 'The Only Good Indians', the characters are haunted by their actions and the past of their tribe. Also, these books usually have a strong atmosphere, like the claustrophobic and spooky feel in 'The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires'.
Well, 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is among the top dark fantasy novels. It's a really strange and eerie story set in a mysterious and dangerous area known as Area X. 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King is also a classic in the genre. It's a long and complex journey through a dark and magical world. And 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman is a dark yet charming tale about a boy raised in a graveyard, with elements of the supernatural.
One of the top dark graphic novels is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's a complex and gritty exploration of superheroes in a darker, more realistic world. The art and storytelling are both superb, delving into themes like power, morality, and the human condition.
Some of the top dark fantasy novels include 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin. It has a complex world full of political intrigue and dark magic. Another is 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. It blends elements of western, horror and fantasy in a very unique way. 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is also great. It's set in a fictional city and follows the adventures of a con artist in a world filled with danger and mystery.
'Sinners of Saint' series by L.J. Shen is quite popular in the dark romance genre. The books in this series often explore tortured heroes and their tumultuous love stories, with dark themes like revenge and redemption woven into the plots. The characters are complex and the romances are intense.
The top dark humor novels include 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's filled with absurd situations like the Earth being destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass, all told with a great sense of dark humor. 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is another. It has a complex web of mystery and paranoia, but also a lot of darkly funny moments. Also, 'The Sirens of Titan' by Kurt Vonnegut is a top pick. It's a satirical look at fate, war, and human nature, with Vonnegut's signature darkly comical style.
Well, many of them are very character - driven. For example, in 'Educated', the main character Tara's personal growth and transformation are at the center. Her experiences shape the entire narrative.
For 'Pride and Prejudice', its characteristic is the vivid portrayal of the social hierarchy and the love story full of misunderstandings. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is characterized by its strong message against racism. '1984' has the characteristic of creating a very oppressive and thought - provoking dystopian world. 'The Great Gatsby' is known for its decadent and glamorous description of the Jazz Age. 'Jane Eyre' has the characteristic of a strong female lead's journey.
Well, the 100 top novels usually have very engaging plots. They can draw readers in from the very beginning. For example, 'Pride and Prejudice' has a plot full of love, misunderstandings and social commentaries.