Table of Contents
Must-Reads This Spooky Season
Wood Worm By Layla Martinez
Martinez’s novella was translated into English by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott and is a quintessential haunted house horror tale where the house is alive. The story delves into the themes of generationally inflicted trauma, poverty, love and vengeance, spanning four generations of women and those who have wronged them. This novel is a gripping tale of horror full of unexpected skeletons and twists.
The Eyes Are The Best Part by Monika Kim
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim is an impressive debut. The novel’s Australian cover is breathtaking along with its storytelling. It revolves around the protagonist named Ji-won, a Korean-American student whose life is unravelling since her father abandoned the family and her mother is dating a horrible boyfriend. Ji-won has developed a peculiar craving for human eyeballs. The novel is rich with themes of racism, the concept of the male gaze and the experiences of an immigrant.
Brat: A Ghost Story by Gabriel Smith
This story is a layered experience, blending various elements that resonate deeply with the readers, especially with the portrayal of the overwhelming feelings of madness that can consume those in grief. The narrative is intriguingly meta, as the author, Gabriel, is also the protagonist, leaving readers to wonder if the book blurs the lines of autofiction. Throughout the novel, there are stories within stories, constantly shifting and evolving.
