Often, there is a sense of the unknown and the supernatural. Gothic fiction psychological horror books play with the idea of things that are not easily explained. This could be ghosts, as in some classic gothic novels, or more abstract concepts like the evil that lurks within a person, as seen in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.
One characteristic is the use of eerie settings like old castles or mansions. For example, in 'Dracula', the castle is a place full of mystery and danger.
Gothic fiction horror romance books often have spooky settings. For example, old castles or mansions that are full of secrets. There's usually a sense of mystery. The characters may be complex and often have a dark side. In terms of romance, it's not the typical sweet kind. It can be passionate but also tortured, like in 'Wuthering Heights' where Heathcliff and Catherine's love is full of pain and obsession. And there's often a sense of the supernatural, like ghosts or otherworldly beings.
One characteristic is the intense focus on the psychological state of the characters. It often plays with the characters' fears, traumas, and insecurities. For example, in 'The Shining', the main character's slow descent into madness due to the haunted hotel's influence on his mind is a key aspect. Another is the use of ambiguity and the unknown. It doesn't always rely on blatant gore or jump scares but rather on creating a sense of unease in the reader's mind. Subtle hints and a build - up of tension are common, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where the gradual realization of what's happening to Rosemary is more terrifying than any sudden shock.
In horror fiction, a sense of atmosphere is crucial. Books like 'Dracula' create a spooky and foreboding atmosphere that adds to the horror. They might also use supernatural elements effectively. Psychological thrillers, on the other hand, are all about mind games. They often have unreliable narrators. Take 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' for example. The mother's narration makes you question what's really going on as she tries to come to terms with her son's actions.
One of the main characteristics is the presence of complex and often tormented characters. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff is a deeply troubled character. Gothic books may also include elements of romance, but it's often a dark and passionate kind of love. There are often power imbalances and secrets within relationships. The architecture in gothic books is also significant. High ceilings, long corridors, and hidden rooms all add to the sense of mystery and unease.
These books may often have unreliable narrators. This is a common characteristic in psychological fiction. By having an unreliable narrator, it makes the reader question what is real and what is just in the character's mind. For instance, the narrator's perception of events might be distorted by their own psychological traumas or desires. So, the reader has to piece together the true story while also understanding the psychological state of the narrator.
One great book is 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde. It combines elements of gothic horror with psychological depth. The portrait that ages while Dorian remains young is a truly creepy concept, and Wilde delves into themes of vanity, morality, and the corrupting influence of beauty.
Psychological books fiction often focuses on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. For example, they might explore how a character's past traumas shape their present behavior. They can also be very character - driven, with the plot revolving around the psychological development or decline of the main character.
Psychological fiction books typically have complex characters with hidden motives. They might not be what they seem at first glance. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Dorian's true self is gradually revealed as the story progresses. Also, these books often use unreliable narrators. In 'Lolita', Humbert Humbert's narration is suspect, which adds to the psychological depth. They also tend to be thought - provoking, making readers question human nature and society.
The books in the list of 2014 gothic fiction books are likely to have a strong sense of the unknown and the uncanny. This could be in the form of strange noises in an old house, or a character who has an inexplicable power. The use of symbolism is also common, like the use of the moon to represent mystery or a rose to represent a doomed love. The narrative might be slow - paced at times to build up the tension and the sense of dread, making the reader feel as if they are walking through a fog - filled alley in an old, haunted town.
Typically, they have a sense of mystery. For example, the plot might involve a long - lost heir or a hidden treasure. There's often an old, imposing building like a haunted mansion or an ancient castle in the story.