Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "southern-gothic"

Fortitude by Carrie Dalby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A Southern Gothic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Spanish-American War.

Claire O’Farrell craves a life beyond her hometown, one that will allow her to serve and help others. Her best friend, Loretta, urges her to volunteer with her as a nurse caring for sick soldiers, wounded, in recovery, or otherwise unable to fight.

Claire, white, has never been one to observe the laws of racial segregation, and insists she remain with Loretta when they arrive, assigned to the camp for the Buffalo Soldiers. The work is tough, but fulfilling, and Claire finds herself building a camaraderie will the soldiers.

But when she finds her head turned by a black soldier, who may claim her young heart, Claire may be putting herself and all around her in grave peril. For what is coming, she must summon all the fortitude she can muster if she is to survive.

‘Fortitude’ is told from the perspective of the novel’s protagonist Claire – a headstrong, yet somewhat naïve young white woman, at times impulsive, a kind-hearted and caring soul who feels things deeply. Throughout her story, we witness her naivety chipped away, as the injustice and the impact of prejudice and violence horrify her, while tragedy threatens to break or harden her heart.

This story also has links to Dalby’s ongoing saga ‘The Possession Chronicles’, making this novel a prologue to sorts to the series, but maintains its own identity as a standalone novel.

Rarely have I read Young Adult fiction, so I will not venture to consider the novel from that perspective, though I was impressed with the way the novel does not shy away from conveying pain and suffering, albeit told from the sidelines of battle, thus handling it in a way that is appropriate for younger readers. This is well-researched historical fiction, building a true sense of time and place. Dalby skillfully weaves Claire’s story with that of several secondary characters, creating a sense of living at the time from multiple perspectives, building a picture of the harsh reality they suffer, while never losing hope.

Racial prejudice is one of the core themes of the novel, dealt with both delicately and in stark detail. It is difficult and emotive subject matter with a dual perspective – in one sense we can witness how much has changed, in another how little has changed. But, despite being difficult, it is vitally important that such themes are dealt with both truthfully and realistically and that we continue to do so. We cannot change history, but we continue to have the opportunity to learn from it, and stories remain one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal. This novel is a great example of such fiction.

‘Fortitude’ is a moving tale of courage, bravery, young love and the horrors that humanity inflicts upon itself, be that through the carnage of warfare or the social discrimination that bleeds into hearts and minds.



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The Book of Beloved by Carolyn Haines

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A Southern Gothic cosy with ghosts, murder and mystery galore.

Raissa James, a teacher, aspiring writer and war widow, finally agrees to visit her uncle's home, Caoin House, in Mobile, Alabama, for the summer. She hopes it will be what she needs to enable her to spend time on her writing and heal from the grief that has dominated her life since the loss of her husband.

Quickly making new friends and finding the spark of a potential romantic interest, Raissa begins to think that she may be able to build her future here. But Caoin House has a dark history and may be haunted by more than just the stains of its past.

When a suspicious death occurs, Raissa finds herself determined to not let it rest. Hoping to right wrongs past and present, she unwittingly places herself in danger. The key to the mystery hinges on the secrets of the Book of Beloved - secrets someone, or something, is determined will never be uncovered.

'The Book of Beloved' is the first in Carolyn Haines' 'Pluto's Snitch' series. A cross between cosy mystery, gothic ghost story and historical fiction, it makes for a light-hearted, relaxing read, while still dealing with some underlying heavy subject matter. Set in 1920, the spectre of the First World War still looms in recent memory. Despite the progression of industry and renewed hopes for the future, the devastation of the war's effects remain evident in day-to-day life, particularly for those who lost someone.

The story is told from Raissa's perspective. She is immediately a likeable character; we encounter her afflicted by grief but beginning to look to the future, can feel her youth and naivety, her frustrations at the limitations imposed on her gender, as well as her passion and thirst for justice, both moral and social. Prejudice and discrimination are major themes of the novel; the period a pivotal time, with women poised to finally be allowed to vote, racial discrimination and the class structure still the basis of normal society, and attitudes towards sex, relationships and sexuality archaic.

The setting of Caoin House is particularly well-evoked, taking the classic manor house setting of many classic mysteries of the period and creating a Southern Gothic version complete with hauntings and the romance and tragedy of the past; the narrative serving as an introduction to the mystery series and its key players and ending with a tantalising glimpse of the next mystery in the series, 'The House of Memory'.



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The House of Memory by Carolyn Haines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Pluto's Snitch Detective Agency investigate their first case of paranormal mystery.

Raissa James and her business partner Reginald Proctor have been called upon to assist a young woman, Camilla, in hope their skills in investigating the occult and the paranormal may prove decisive. Currently residing in the Bryce Hospital asylum, Camilla attacked her fiancé while they toured their new home, Roswell House, apparently under the influence of a delusion.

This is not the only strange and unsettling occurrence they encounter. Young women have been disappearing from the surrounding areas, while other patients from Roswell House seem also to have vanished without trace. Raissa has no doubt that Camilla is in grave danger; discovering from whom or what is paramount to averting a dangerous medical operation in only a few days' time.

Feeling the presence of a malign entity at Roswell House, Raissa is convinced it will be the route to unravelling the mystery. Whether Camilla is victim to a possession or if she truly is affected by psychosis, the danger that hovers around her threatens to pull others into its orbit with deadly consequences.

Picking up following the conclusion of 'The Book of Beloved', the newly formed Pluto's Snitch agency has received its first request for help by means of a letter from Zelda Fitzgerald, which launches a challenging case. After a slower-paced start introducing the cast of characters and various plotlines, the plot picks up speed, juggling the multiple mysteries and building suspense, practically hurtling into the final scene.

Following recent events and newly opening her business, Raissa's confidence in herself and her abilities is beginning to flourish. Despite expectations to conform to society's view of women, she is striving to fight these limitations and carve out her own place in the world. I particularly enjoyed finding Raissa in the thick of the action and not relegated to the observer that society deemed appropriate. Women's independence and wider prejudice and discrimination continue to be core themes of the series, while this novel also deals with themes of mental health - with a particular focus on the treatment of 'hysterical' women and 'mad' people during this period.

There are also elements of fun to the rebellious nature of the female characters and the decadence experienced by the upper classes during the inter-war period in certain scenes, both light relief and juxtaposition to some of the darker elements of the novel and the lives of the underprivileged, making the entire concoction a thrilling and immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The novel ends with the pull of another case, to lead directly into the third in the series, 'The Specter of Seduction'.

A mix of mystery and detective fiction, gothic horror and ghost stories, 'The House of Memory' is a perfect blend of Southern Gothic cosy; which, like all the best cosies, beneath the surface isn't so cosy after all.



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Malevolent Hearts by Carrie Dalby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The opening installment in a gothic historical family saga.

Merritt Hall arrives in Mobile to stay with her aunt and uncle and their orphaned niece, her cousin Winifred, with whom she quickly develops a bond.

Haunted by tragedy, the family strives to overcome their sadness, though Winifred may be haunted by more than just her memories and her grief.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Fever epidemic rages. As it reaches the town, their hopes for happiness and their very lives become fraught with peril.

'Malevolent Hearts' is the first novel in 'The Malevolent Trilogy' by Carrie Dalby, a family saga in the Southern Gothic tradition, with ties to her gothic saga 'The Possession Chronicles'. Set in Mobile, Alabama, during the 1897 Yellow Fever epidemic, this is emotive historical fiction, evermore poignant when you consider it was written and published during the 2020 global pandemic. The story is narrated by Merritt, who, at nineteen years old is charged with the care and education of her fifteen year old cousin, Winifred. Their family is haunted by grief and guilt connected to the tragic losses of many of their loved ones.

This is also a tale of romance, Winifred's mutual attraction with their charming and roguish neighbour, Sean, building into a burgeoning passion, a love forbidden for many reasons, while Merritt also begins a courtship of her own. There's a coming-of-age theme running throughout, with Merritt, Winifred and Sean all on a journey of self-discovery, events forcing them to mature and to discover their adult selves through the trauma they suffer. The core characters never fail to be likeable, even when one or two may engage in rather questionable behaviour. Winifred is perhaps my favourite character - her fighting spirit, innocence and rebellious streak provoking amusement, sadness and admiration. Dalby has crafted an emotionally-driven tale, our connection to these characters keeping us riveted through joy and tragedy.

The historical backdrop is well-developed, an authentic exploration of the social norms and expectations of the period, demonstrating just how scandalous some things would be. The attitudes of some of the more powerful male characters in particular are quite stark, though you never lose sight of an awareness of experiencing the past through the lens of its sometimes vastly different attitudes. The subtle demonstration of female strength and rebellion was one of my favourite elements. Religion and spirituality are also explored – in the societal split between Catholics and Baptists, as well as some traditional ways to avert the attentions of evil spirits. Most of all, the fear and isolation as a result of the epidemic is sublimely captured, and the dreadful reality that sometimes illness can claim us and there is little we can do to prevent or even fight it.

The story continues in 'Tangled Discoveries', taking the saga into the next generation - with threads seeded through this novel that may have a bearing on the future. Chronologically, Dalby's young adult novel 'Fortitude' and the first novel in 'The Possession Chronicles' follow this one, all part of a shared universe of historical gothic fiction. Nevertheless, this book also works brilliantly as a standalone Southern Gothic historical drama.

Equally heart-wrenching and heart-warming, 'Malevolent Hearts' is a moving story of love and loss, a fantastic first chapter in the history of a family and their haunted legacy.



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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A poignant, timeless classic, bearing witness to social injustice and both the empathy and depravity of humanity.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is a Southern Gothic novel by Harper Lee, originally published in 1960, the first of only two novels published during her lifetime; a piece of classic literature hugely significant for its social themes, and both a coming-of-age drama and legal drama. Set in 1930s Alabama, we are taken to the old town of Maycomb in the midst of the Great Depression, the setting for the events our narrator, Scout Finch, looks back on to the time when she was still a child and the world was both a simpler and more terrifying place. Scout introduces us to her brother and friend, her neighbours, the teachers and fellow pupils at her local school – and the hero of the tale, her father and lawyer, Atticus Finch, who is defending an unwinnable case – of a black man accused of the rape of a white girl.

Delving in to this doomed fight for justice, the novel is an astute observation of humanity, exploring themes of prejudice and discrimination, significantly regarding race, but also gender, class, and religion. A touching and moving story, beautifully told, it speaks to you on a deep level, as we experience it through the eyes of a child who cannot understand why things are the way they are and does not perceive the cruelty of the world, juxtaposed with how so many of the adults see the world on such a superficial, and black and white, level – leading us to also ask ourselves, just why must society be this way? What may often be attributed to the naivety of the young actually poses a question no one can ever adequately answer – because the truth is, society does not need to be this way.

The relationships between the children, and their observations of Atticus’ wisdom, morals and integrity, drive the narrative, evolving into many vivid scenes that stay with you long afterwards. One such scene depicts how it takes the innocence of a child to remind a lynch mob of their humanity and dispel the threat of violence; others those powerful courtroom scenes, including Atticus’ closing argument; and the tragedy of Tom Robinson, whose fate was sealed for no other reason than the colour of his skin. The children’s fascination with the mystery of their reclusive neighbour, “Boo” Radley, provides some additional suspense in a subplot that ultimately merges with the main plot in an intense climax, one that brings a satisfying conclusion to the various threads, as well as the themes of prejudice and distinction between expectation and reality, while philosophising on social justice and morality.

Reading the novel over sixty years later (and ninety years on from the period in which it is set), one is struck by how little has changed. There may have been some progress in some ways, perhaps in superficial ways, but the passage of time has sadly not allowed for as much change as should have been possible. The messages entwined within the plot give the novel a fable-like quality; this is a story that will always have something to say.

The novel was adapted for the screen in 1962, a critically acclaimed film directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. While there have also been several stage adaptations, to date the film is the only adaptation for the screen. In 2015, a long-awaiting sequel ‘Go Set a Watchman’ was published, following its rediscovery in 2011. It features the return of Scout as an adult, returning to Maycomb to visit Atticus. While publicised as a sequel, this novel was written prior to its predecessor, and is largely believed to be an original draft, with many elements developing into what became the original 1960 novel, Scout looking back on her childhood and this tale of tragedy and the best and worst of humanity.



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Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A consuming gothic romance laced with desire and demons of the mind.

Aspiring writer Lucy is preparing for her society coming out at the New Year's Eve ball, while furiously working on her novels and poetry.

At a Christmas party, she meets the dashing Alexander Melling. Their attraction is instant, and he sweeps Lucy off her feet as their romance blooms.

But society has no place for the passion of a love story, while Alex's demons lurk beneath the surface, threatening to doom their relationship before it's even begun.

'Perilous Confessions' is the first novel in 'The Possession Chronicles' by Carrie Dalby, a Southern Gothic family saga set in Mobile, Alabama during the early twentieth century. Set at the end of 1904 into early 1905, the novel introduces us to the Easton and Melling families and charts the beginning of a relationship that may alter the fates of both dynasties. Impeccably researched, the novel is rich in historical detail, with particular attention to the structure, attitudes and beliefs of society during this time.

The romance between Lucy and Alex, the two lead characters, sweeps us away, with their chemistry and passion, the intensity of their connection. At a time in history when displaying affection or succumbing to desire before marriage was forbidden and sinful, we witness their struggle during those early days of courtship when it entirely consumes you and anything feels possible. Tragically, Alex is damaged and haunted, his emotion and desire for Lucy at war with his natural instinct to run from her in the belief she will be better off without him. His trauma has nurtured a dark side, one that succumbs to weakness and cruelty, engulfing him and threatening to destroy what he cherishes most.

Through its delicious gothic prose and a brisk-paced plot, the novel perfectly portrays both characters and evokes the heart of their relationship, leading to some incredibly moving, emotional scenes that many will find relatable, some elements desirable while others potentially triggering. We may all crave such a connection, the fortunate amongst us may experience it, but it is undeniable that something so potent is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

Impassioned and tragic, 'Perilous Confessions' immerses us in a tale of love and longing, and the impact of the ghosts that haunt us; a fantastic opening installment to a gothic saga.

Next chronologically in the series is novella 'Mosaic of Seduction', shifting the focus to Alex's sister, Eliza, whom we met in this first novel.



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Mosaic of Seduction by Carrie Dalby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A tale of forbidden lust and demons of the heart.

Eliza Melling appears to have all that one could wish for – creative brilliance, flawless beauty, daughter to a wealthy family, her entire life ahead of her expected to be charmed.

Yet she possesses a rebellious spirit that refuses to be tamed. She longs for more than life can offer her – a life of freedom and pursuing all that her body, heart and soul may desire.

As she plays the heartstrings of two men and plots an escape from her tyrannical parents, Eliza’s fearless tempting of fate may prove to be her undoing.

‘Mosaic of Seduction’ is a Southern Gothic historical fiction novella by Carrie Dalby, part of her Gothic family saga ‘The Possession Chronicles’, taking place between the first novel ‘Perilous Confessions’ and the second ‘Murmurs of Evil’. Enriched by historical detail and descriptive prose, Dalby paints a vivid portrait of early twentieth century society, exploring themes of romance and morality, through a fast-paced, character-driven narrative. Set across the year of 1905 and into January 1906, we follow the tale of Eliza’s passions and temptations, in a pivotal chapter in the history of the Melling family.

Picking up following the final scene of the first novel, Eliza attends Mass at The Church of the Assumption with her brother Alexander, where she meets deacon Claudio De Fiore for the first time, becoming immediately enthralled with his beauty and charm, determined to tempt and seduce him. Yet the passion between them is forbidden, not only by society’s views of female chastity, but also by De Fiore’s commitment to the Roman Catholic priesthood. Eliza’s pursuit of her forbidden desires for the trainee priest is soon sidetracked by her passion for Sean Spunner, a young solicitor whom her parents deem a suitable match.

Eliza is a superb character – rebellious, artistic, and beautiful, she’s intensely captivating; simultaneously endearing and flawed, making many questionable choices that we would really prefer her not to make, but relishing how it drives her story. She feels trapped under her parents’ control and expectations, crushed by their vile attitudes and behaviour, wishing only to pursue her art, choose whom she loves, and live a carefree and happy life. But this is not the life that society or her family has mapped out for her, and she becomes increasingly desperate to escape.

Alexander continues to suffer heartbreak at his separation from Lucy, his distractions and his demons enabling Eliza’s freedoms to thrive. We get to know Sean a little better, our sympathy for him growing as it becomes clear he genuinely cares for Eliza, after having suffered the despair of losing someone he loved in the past (more of Sean’s backstory is explored in ‘Malevolent Hearts’, the first in ‘The Malevolent Trilogy’). One also cannot help but feel enormous sympathy for Claudio, the challenges to his faith and his conflict at choosing between God and the woman he loves all the more devastating as we wonder if Eliza truly returns the affection of either man, her desire to escape eclipsing any genuine emotion she may feel. Her love affairs and desperate bid for freedom build to a bitterly tragic climax, leaving us poised to delve into the haunting darkness of the second novel.

A thrilling chapter in the saga, ‘Mosaic of Seduction’ is a tale of forbidden romance and desperate desire, fraught with tragedy.



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