6 Dark Fiction Reading Recommendations
I am an avid fan of dark fiction. Here are 5 dark fiction books that I have read and one that I have written.
Definition: Dark fiction is concerned with the sinister side of human nature. It is often distinguished from the mainstream horror genre in that it tends not to be fantasy-orientated. Dark fiction may contain elements of black or satirical humour.
Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock
About: Knockemstiff is a transgressive compilation of short stories. Their grubby setting, visceral prose and dark humour appealed to this reader.
My Review: These interlinked short stories are set in ‘The Holler’; an impoverished part of Knockemstiff, a real-life Ohioan backwater. ‘The Holler’s’ air is permanently imbued with the stench of …(more)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
About: This dark, innovative blend of fantasy and mythology explores the tribalistic nature of America’s various beliefs.
My Review: Shadow is an inmate who whiles away his days practising coin tricks. When his wife dies in a car crash, he is released early on compassionate grounds. Shadow is …(more)
Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
About: Rant challenges our own traditions by demonstrating how we contort our recollection of events in accordance with our desires and beliefs.
My Review: Rant is the oral history of Buster ‘Rant’ Casey, recounted by an array of people including his relations, friends, enemies and lovers. Rant’s childhood companions from the …(more)
Marabao Stork Nightmares by Irvine Welsh
About: This is an inventive book, boasting parallel stories and different levels of awareness. It is peppered with stylistic idiosyncrasies.
My Review: Roy Strang narrates this story from the hospital in which he is lying in a coma. It begins in South Africa, where he and his friend Sandy Jamieson are hunting the …(more)
Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr.
About: This cult classic contains candid portrayals of numerous taboo topics. Its prose is visceral and frequently frenetic.
My Review: This inter-related collection of six stories are set in 1950s Brooklyn, New York. One revolves around a Benzedrine-scoffing transvestite’s unreciprocated love for a …(more)
Tomorrow’s World by Guy Portman
About: Tomorrow’s World is a satirical book of vignettes about the future. Themes include the future of capitalism, a grotesquely ageing population and an ever increasing mandatory retirement age. This quick read (40,521 words/2.5 hours) will appeal to those who like dark humour. Amazon Link
I’m looking forward to reading, Tomorrow’s World, Guy. Rant sounds like an interesting read. 🙂
Thanks Heather. Have a good weekend.
Your recommendations are always solid. I especially like the last one. Have a nice weekend, Guy
That’s good to hear, John. Have a good weekend.