One of the best European horror novels is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic that introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula. The novel is set in Transylvania and England, and it creates a chilling atmosphere with its Gothic elements. Stoker's use of letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings as narrative devices makes it a unique and immersive read.
The 'The Monk' by Matthew Lewis is a great European horror novel. It was one of the first Gothic novels and contains elements like forbidden lust, demonic possession, and the corruption of the clergy. It was quite scandalous when it was first published.
Sure. 'Doctor Zhivago' by Boris Pasternak is a notable one. It's set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and follows the life of Yuri Zhivago. It's a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of a tumultuous time in Russian history.
Some of the best modern horror novels include 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It creates a sense of psychological dread. Another great one is 'It' by Stephen King. The story of the terrifying clown Pennywise has haunted many readers. Also, 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic in modern horror with its brilliant portrayal of the deranged serial killer Hannibal Lecter.
I'd say 'Pride and Prejudice' which influenced European lit, 'War and Peace' which had a big impact, and 'The Catcher in the Rye' which was influenced by European trends.
I recommend you to read the two European-style suspense horror novels,"Wanted" and "Zombie". " Wanted for Terror " was a suspense-mystery novel written by the author with a snap of his fingers. It was about a mysterious wanted poster and a group of ordinary people who had a bizarre incident that involved horror, strangeness, bloodlust, and other elements. Zombies was a sci-fi novel about evolution and mutation. The plot was intense and exciting, similar to the atmosphere of an American sci-fi horror movie. These two novels can give you a European and American suspense and horror reading experience.
They frequently use the local folklore and superstitions. In different European countries, there are unique supernatural beliefs that are incorporated into the horror stories. For instance, in some Slavic horror novels, they might use elements from their local tales of witches and demons. The characters in European horror novels are often complex, not just simple victims or villains. In 'Frankenstein', the monster has a sympathetic side as well as a terrifying one.
One of the best European novels is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. It's a classic that follows the adventures of a deluded knight and his sidekick Sancho Panza. It's full of humor, satire, and explores themes like reality and illusion.
Some of the best European novels include 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It's a profound exploration of faith, morality, and the human psyche. 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert is also highly regarded. It tells the story of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and her search for something more in life. Then there's 'Ulysses' by James Joyce, a complex and experimental novel that offers a unique view of Dublin life.
For young adults, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs is a great horror novel. It has this strange and spooky world filled with kids with special abilities. 'The Monstrumologist' by Rick Yancey is also good. It has a lot of creepy monsters and a dark atmosphere that young adults who like horror would enjoy. 'Asylum' by Madeleine Roux is another one that has a really eerie setting in an old asylum.
Definitely 'Dracula' with its iconic vampire figure. 'Frankenstein' is a classic in horror literature. It makes you think about the limits of science. Also, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman can be considered a Victorian horror story. It shows the mental breakdown of the protagonist in a very disturbing way.