Southern Gothic Fiction
A selection of contemporary Southern Gothic titles exploring the decay, despair, and trauma of the reconstructed American South. Come for the palpably atmospheric settings and descriptions, stay for the literary commentary on the legacy of the South's oft-romanticized past. (As a note: I did not include the most well known writers in the genre, e.g. Truman Capote, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, etc. as the list is more focused on the resurgence of Southern Gothic in contemporary literature.)
created by sailorsoftgirl
last updated December, 2025
Comments
Since I've had a fair number of friends ask for recommendations, I felt it was finally time to make a list! Always open to any suggestions if there is something I missed. Also just FYI in case anyone is curious, the American South includes the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Not a book suggestion but a general thought: I think this would make a great quest đź‘€
Thank you!! I will definitely keep that in mind!
I love this list! I might also suggest When the Reckoning Comes, Ring Shout, and On Sundays She Picked Flowers.
Thank you!! I’ll definitely have to take a look at these
Thank you for the list, this looks super interesting! Love the description as well 🤣
Of course! It's been my hyperfixation genre for a while now so I had to do it.
