What are the characteristics of the best new southern gothic novels?

Well, new southern gothic novels often feature a sense of decay and the grotesque. They might have complex, morally ambiguous characters. Settings are typically in the South, with its old, dilapidated mansions and swamps that add to the eerie atmosphere.

The settings are usually in the South, with its unique landscapes and social hierarchies. There is also an element of the supernatural or the grotesque. In 'Beloved', the ghostly presence of Beloved herself adds to the gothic atmosphere. These novels use all these elements to create a distinct southern gothic feel.

Southern gothic novels often feature grotesque characters. These characters might have physical or mental abnormalities. For example, in some novels, there are characters with extreme paranoia or deformities. They also typically have a sense of decay and decline, like the decaying southern plantations which are a common setting. There is often an exploration of the dark side of human nature, such as racism, violence, and sexual deviance that lurked beneath the genteel facade of the old South.

One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth in a southern setting. Another great one is 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner. It has complex family dynamics and a sense of the decaying South. Also, 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers is considered a top southern gothic novel, with its exploration of isolation and the human condition in a southern town.

Well, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is definitely among the top. It shows the innocence and prejudice in a southern town through the eyes of a child. Then there's Flannery O'Connor's 'Wise Blood'. Her works often have a dark and grotesque element that is characteristic of southern gothic. Also, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, while not strictly a traditional southern gothic, has elements of it, like the haunting past and the complex relationships within the black community in the South.

Many best new southern novels often have a strong sense of place. They vividly describe the southern landscapes, from the swamps to the small towns. Another characteristic is the exploration of complex family dynamics. For example, in 'Where the Crawdads Sing', the protagonist's family situation and her relationship with the community play a big role. Also, they frequently deal with themes of race and history, like in 'The Nickel Boys' which uncovers the racial injustice in a southern reform school.

One characteristic is the exploration of the dark side of human nature. These novels show the seedy underbelly of southern society, like hidden secrets, scandals, and immoral behavior. The atmosphere is typically one of gloom and unease. There may be elements of the supernatural or the uncanny, not always in a blatant way but more subtly woven into the fabric of the story. Another aspect is the use of complex and often flawed protagonists who are trying to navigate this strange and sometimes menacing world.

One characteristic is the use of a southern setting which often has a sense of decay and a past that haunts the present. For example, old plantations or small, dilapidated towns. Another is the presence of complex and often troubled characters. They might be outcasts or dealing with family secrets and traumas. There's also an element of the grotesque, like strange or abnormal physical features or behaviors.

They often feature decaying settings like old plantations. The characters may be morally ambiguous. There is a sense of the grotesque and the macabre. For example, in many such novels, there are characters with dark secrets and a lot of family drama mixed with horror elements.

They often feature dark and brooding atmospheres. There's a sense of decay, both in the physical environment like dilapidated mansions and in the moral state of the characters. Sin, guilt, and secrets are common themes.