As the world withers in its amber and gold attire, we often find ourselves yearning for the comforting embrace of a cozy book. Autumn invites us to cozy up with stories that mirror the season’s own transformation as the leaves wither. As I attempt to romanticize my small dorm room located on the middle of a dairy farm, I find myself reverting to novels that give me a sense of solace and nostalgia.
These Victorian and modern classics echo the bliss of ideas like beauty or decay by painting pictures of neoclassical libraries, grotesque art galleries and a philosopher’s choir. Here are some literary treasures that harmonize with the fall ambiance, offering both solace and inspiration.
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Set in the small New England university known as Hampden College, Richard Papen finds himself whirled into an elitists group of Hellenistic students who dabble in an improper form of philosophy.
It’s a book that delves into the aesthetics of dark academia, and as the murder mystery unfolds, the plot only thickens. Papen finds himself exploring the darker sides of human nature as he plays into the seductive power of beauty.
My first time reading this novel was in the fall of my freshmen year, and it has now become my epitome of an autumn classic. I believe this is the time of year where we are the most inclined to be academically motivated, and “The Secret History” exposes the seedy underbelly of how ominous the art of intellectualism can be.
Tartt wrote what is arguably the best novel of the 1990s. It’s an existentialist’s bible with a lovely balance between moral ambiguity and the results that follow.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty who becomes immersed in his own graceful image. Dorian finds himself enthralled by the elegance of his youth. Though Gray is beautiful, he often indulges in a life of excess and moral corruption. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” offers a compelling exploration of beauty, vanity and moral consequences.
The novel dives into the resolution of a life devoted to vanity and self-indulgence that ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion. Wilde’s gothic tale serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers coinciding with the superficial allure of perfection.
As our protagonist contemplates the persistence of beauty, a riveting story unfolds. The mortality of self-absorption dominates this novel, and this aesthetically told tale is a short classic that’s perfect for this introspective time of year.
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
The world-renowned “Wuthering Heights” centers on the intense, tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff, an orphaned foundling, and Catherine Earnshaw, his childhood companion.
Set on the Yorkshire Moors in England, this gothic classic resembles all that is fair in love and war. The destructiveness of love intertwines with the futility of revenge, creating perhaps the most popular Victorian classic to date. The somber landscapes that coincide with an all-consuming tale of love embodies the autumn we love to romanticize.
Brontë displays how the pursuit of love and beauty is not always successful, and how that can stem into generational trauma. Though eloquent in theory, “Wuthering Heights” is a psychological nightmare that is practically gut-wrenching. If a horrifically immersing Victorian novel on a crisp fall evening doesn’t scream autumn to you, I don’t know what does.
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
We all know and love the big scary green monster in “Frankenstein.” He seems to be on display left and right as Halloween creeps up on us, which is why I believe “Frankenstein,” written by Mary Shelly, is a perfect read for this time of year.
“Frankenstein” tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life from the dead. A frightening yet melancholic tale unravels as the disfigured creature wanders aimlessly in search of a human connection.
Shelly explores ethical concepts and how they play into the trials and tribulations of scientific discoveries. Frankenstein is sometimes considered a science fiction novel but can also be categorized as a gothic classic for its supernatural elements. The interlaced motifs of this novel make it an ideal companion for the introspective mood of the spooky season. With the monster’s stitches in disarray and the eerie Halloween, I can’t imagine a better book to curl up with on a chilly October night.
“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind
“Perfume” follows the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an orphan born with an extraordinary sense of smell in 18th century France. Grenouille becomes obsessed with creating the perfect fragrance, leading him to commit a series of murders to capture the essence of his victims. The novel explores Grenouille’s descent into madness and his intense fixation on the smell of women.
A few weeks ago, I picked up my own personal copy of “Perfume” for the first time. After this grim yet exquisite read, I am perplexed as to why this novel is not more well-known. It has all the classic components of a spooky horror story with an obscure side quest for perfection among the senses.
Patrick Süskind’s “Perfume” offers a sensory-rich exploration of obsession and beauty. The novel’s intricate depiction of scent and its dark, philosophical themes make it a compelling read for the reflective and enigmatic spirit of the fall season.