Autumnal reading: A reading list for the fall season

After the scorching heat of the summer, many people (such as myself) eagerly look forward to cooler, cosier weather. Some may find the later months of the year to be gloomy or even depressing, but I believe that there is a lot of beauty to be found in this new season. The leaves turning new colours, the crisp air, celebrating holidays, and (my personal favourite) staying in on a rainy day with a good book. To make the most out of this transition into autumn, I have compiled a list of books that emulate the atmosphere of this wonderfully chilling season.

Considered to be the first science-fiction novel, this classic captures the more melancholic and eerie aspects of autumn through its gothic atmosphere and gloomy imagery

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A quintessential autumn read, this gothic horror follows the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist fascinated with the mysteries of life and death, who brings to life a creature made up of parts of various human bodies. Frankenstein’s creation is met with regret, fear, and disgust, as the scientist shuns his creation and leaves it isolated and alone, left with a growing resentment toward its creator. This tale explores themes of alienation, ambition, revenge, and the pursuit and power of knowledge. Considered to be the first science-fiction novel, this classic captures the more melancholic and eerie aspects of autumn through its gothic atmosphere and gloomy imagery. Frankenstein is a perfect novel to kickstart the season, whether it is a first-time experience or a re-read.

A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami

This unconventional story intertwines a surreal adventure with elements of magical realism. The unnamed protagonist working in advertising in Tokyo gets put on a bizarre mission to locate a mysterious mutant sheep, after using a photograph of a landscape in an advertisement that catches the attention of a peculiar man referred to as ‘The Boss’. The journey takes the protagonist from Tokyo to remote, northern Japan in a mystifying search that incorporates detective fiction with supernatural randomness. This novel features eccentric characters, themes of existentialism and reflection, and a lingering sense of eeriness. Perhaps more on the absurd side, you may be left pondering over this novel well after finishing it. Its mysteriously zany nature and gloomy atmosphere are what make this novel a great autumnal read.

Filled with slow-building suspense, thrill, and even elements of romance, this novel is very hard to put down; perfectly embodying the haunting air of the new season

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

By far my favourite in this list, Rebecca tells the story of a young woman who meets and marries widower Maxim de Winter, owner of the famously lavish estate Manderley. Told from the perspective of the young woman, this classic explores themes of identity, jealousy, and the powerful influence of the past as she is haunted by the memory of Maxim’s former wife Rebecca kept alive in Manderley by a vindictive housekeeper. A later plot twist in the novel drastically raises the tensions between the characters and the mystery surrounding Rebecca’s death. Filled with slow-building suspense, thrill, and even elements of romance, this novel is very hard to put down; perfectly embodying the haunting air of the new season.

Christine by Stephen King

If you enjoy a longer read, this 750-pager is a uniquely horrifying tale about jealousy and obsession. After purchasing a vintage Plymouth Fury that he names Christine, Arnie Cunningham becomes entirely consumed with restoring the car. As his personality and behaviour begins to change for the worse, the evil spirit residing in the car from the previous owner begins to take over. Told from the perspective of Arnie’s best friend Dennis, we witness the downfall of Arnie as he spirals into a complete possession at the hands of Christine. This novel blends together elements of supernatural possessions, love triangles, and friendship tensions in an engagingly retro and frightening story set in the late 70s. When it comes to autumn, you can never go wrong with a classic horror, and the story of Christine is not only one of a kind but is also masterfully bone-chilling and definitely worth your time.

This murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat and Christie expertly heightens the tension, suspense, and intricacy in this story with every turn of the page

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

On the other hand, if you are looking for a quicker read, let it be this one. Christie never fails to construct a captivating story full of unexpected twists and turns. And Then There Were None follows ten strangers who were invited onto an island by a mysterious host, only to end up being stranded, knowing there is a murderer among them. This murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat, and Christie expertly heightens the tension, suspense, and intricacy in this story with every turn of the page. If you are unfamiliar with the mystery genre, this novel and author are a great starting point. Similarly, if you are looking for a novel to welcome the new season, being in the hands of Christie will always be a good option.