Hello from my May WWW Wednesday post. This is a weekly meme (but I tend to do it monthly) hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. If you’re curious about what other people are reading right now too, join in! All you have to do is answer the three bookish questions below and pop your blog link on Sam’s weekly post in the comments.
This week, it’s my Gothic edition…
/ WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?
I’m on a bit of a Gothic fiction kick right now. I’m not sure if it’s the comfort of knowing the general gist of the story (as they all follow similar narratives) with added spine-tingling elements to really up the escapism factor, but I am loving them. Hence why I’m currently reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. 10% in and we’re in a creepy, isolated house with some creepy, mysterious characters. Perfect.
/ WHAT HAVE YOU RECENTLY READ?
The Lost Ones by Anita Frank is… yes, you guessed it, Gothic! It was brilliant. A sophisticated ghost story set in 1917, with a feminist sub plot. Stella Marcham is the feisty lead character who is not about to be told what to do – or think – by men or ghosts. Read my full review, with more plot detail, right here.
/ WHAT WILL YOU READ NEXT?
Rounding off the Gothic takeover is a book I have on my digital Kindle TBR shelf – Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver and it sounds a little like this…
‘In Edwardian Suffolk, a manor house stands alone in a lost corner of the Fens: a glinting wilderness of water whose whispering reeds guard ancient secrets. Maud is a lonely child growing up without a mother, ruled by her repressive father.
When he finds a painted medieval devil in a graveyard, unhallowed forces are awakened. Maud’s battle has begun. She must survive a world haunted by witchcraft, the age-old legends of her beloved fen – and the even more nightmarish demons of her father’s past.’
So there we go, my Gothic trio for this week. I’m always on the lookout for more Gothic fiction suggestions, please let me know if you have any great recommendations!
Books on the 7:47 
I have had Wakenhyrst in my TBR for a while, a long while to be truthful. I think you’re going to get to it before me so I’ll be interested to learn what you think of it.
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I have every intention of it being my next read, but sometimes (as I’m sure you know!) another sneaks in! BUT I will read it soon and pop a review up!
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I definitely know the ease with which a different book can tempt you from your reading schedule 😁
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Such is the life of a reader! Also, it’s really sunny today and that makes me want to read a different kind of book too, so many variables!
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I’ve not heard of any of these – my knowledge of gothic is mainly classics like Wuthering Heights. Do you have a recommendation for where to start with contemporary gothic?
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Ones I’ve really enjoyed recently are The Corset by Laura Purcell, Things in Jars by Jess Kidd and I would recommend The Lost Ones if you’re in the mood for a good ghost story!
I actually want to go back and read / reread a few of the more classic gothic tales – Wuthering Heights and The Woman in White are on my list!
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Thank you! The Woman in White is great too.
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Yes, I have it on my list – heard it’s one of the Gothic greats!
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I love Gothic novels. A lot of these are currently sat on my TBR pile.
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Do you have any Gothic recommendations? Always on the lookout for some more!
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I love Gothic novels (although I feel like I haven’t read a lot of them – yet!) I just recently read Shadowplay and it was a three star read for me but it nailed the setting. I’m looking forward to reading Mexican Gothic when it comes out!
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I don’t feel like I’ve read a lot of them either yet, it’s sort of a recent passion. I read a few and realised I liked the story arcs and themes and the way they are just pure escapism! Looking forward to delving deeper into the genre.
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I just read your review of The Lost Ones and it sounds amazing! Hope your other reads turn out to be just as good. 🙂
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Yes, it did set the bar high! I think it was just quite a simple ghost story that was executed really well. Well worth reading!
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I haven’t read any Gothic fiction for a very long time but The Lost Ones, in particular, really caught my eye. I love feisty characters. Happy reading!
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Thank you! Yes, it’s a great little ghost story, highly recommend if you’re in the mood!
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Jen, I love how at the same time you’ve been having a Gothic take over in your reading, I have been having a Gothic binge-read of Daphne du Maurier’s novels – You just gotta love a great Gothic novel, which I agree are weirdly comforting and easy reads. Take care and happy Gothic reading! 😃
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Ha, I know! I’ll be keeping an eye out for any more Gothic recommendations from you!😊
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