There are few styles of genres more evocative, more well defined, and more influential than the Southern Gothic. This list is a small primer on where we think you should begin with this classic canon. Even the mere mention of the phrase conjures up a strong image, a small town in the south besieged by the heat of summer and occasional downpours, a lingering aura of death, and a group of people struggling with faith, identity, morality, and more existential concerns. These works all embody the best traits of the southern gothic, as well as some of the best writing to grace any form.
Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor
This classic novel, centered around a returning World War Two veteran, was actually built from a series of disparate stories that O’Connor had published in various magazines. What she produced through, was undoubtedly a 20th century classic. With its rich and complex characters, shrewd deployment of black humor, and incredibly complex rendering of the dichotomy and absurdity of sin and redemption.
As I Lay, Dying by William Faulkner
In truth, this entire list could have been comprised of nothing but Faulkner works, such was the definitive nature of his take on the genre. But, this is for the stand out amongst standouts. Told from 15 separate viewpoints in Faulkner’s trademark modernist stream of consciousness prose, this examination of grief, family, and the rural south is one of the most beautifully written, evocatively rendered portraits of life anywhere, in any book.
If you want to acquaint yourself with these classic works, or simply browse from a wide selection of classic books. Head over to www.viewtale.com where you can find a tremendous selection of eBooks and audiobooks.
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