Crumbling Scenes in Literary Works: Deteriorating Backgrounds in Fiction
A Journey through Decay: Discovering Atmosphere in Literature
Cleveland, Ohio, offers a variety ofEntries into the city, but a standout favorite for biographer C.J. Dotson is the route from Akron via the south. One particular stretch of this drive features expansive industrial complexes with towering smokestacks, some occasionally spewing flames rather than smoke. This unique sight, accompanied by a series of crisscrossing bridges obscured by rust, instills a sense of grimness reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic film set.
Dotson's fascination with neglected spaces carries over into his literary preferences. For readers sharing his appreciation for decaying environments inherently reflecting societal issues, he recommends the following books:
- "Mexican Gothic" by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in a remote estate in the Mexican countryside, this historical horror novel transports readers into a dense atmosphere of mildew, dread, and suspicion. The protagonist, requisitioned to check on her oddly behaving cousin living there under the watch of a strange family, must uncover the estate's secrets before it's too late.
- "We Can Never Leave this Place" by Eric LaRocca
In this unsettling novella, Mara finds herself alone in a war-ravaged apartment building, plagued by her mother's unsettling new guest. Unwilling to contribute to the chaos, Mara must navigate the surreal and visceral horrors in this short yet immersive tale of emptiness and alienation.
- "The Needfire" by MK Hardy
Norah Mackenzie seeks a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands, but uncovers something far more sinister hidden within the remote Corrain House. Here, she becomes ensnared in strange customs, a precarious dwelling, and eroding relationships as she struggles to find a way out of her predicament.
- "Cold Eternity" by S.A. Barnes
Halley, haunted by scandal, finds work aboard a seemingly abandoned spaceship. Far from civilization, she attempts to outrun her past in a decaying vessel teeming with mysterious events and dwindling resources.
- "Nothing But Blackened Teeth" by Cassandra Khaw
A group of friends gathers for a wedding at a purportedly haunted estate in Japan. What follows is a blend of reality and folklore, as the group grapples with personal tension, interwoven with a haunting presence that presents a more terrifying threat than they could have imagined.
Dotson's recommendations delve into the darker aspects of society hidden beneath the veneer of decaying buildings and environments. Whether it's the gothic influences in "Mexican Gothic" or the eerie setting in "We Can Never Leave This Place", these novels offer an engrossing exploration of neglected spaces as reflections of our own fragmented world.
- C.J. Dotson, an avid fan of neglected spaces, suggests delving into the world of cars by reading "On Four Wheels: A History of the American Automobile," a book that traces the evolution of the automobile industry, reflecting the growth and decay of society.
- For those drawn to fashion-and-beauty, Dotson recommends "The Beautiful Fall" by Avedon and Lett, a captivating account of the volatile relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and his muse, revealing the decadence and decay behind the glamorous facade of the fashion industry.
- Food-and-drink aficionados may find solace in "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain, a candid memoir highlighting Bourdain's march through the high-stakes, high-pressure world of haute cuisine, revealing the grit and decay beneath the polished surface of fine dining.
- On the topic of home-and-garden, Dotson suggests "The Unsettling of America" by Wendell Berry, a poignant critique of industrial agriculture and the desolation it inflicts upon rural communities, prompting the reader to reconsider their relationship with the land.
- Those interested in relationships may benefit from "Coming Apart" by Charles Murray, a book that examines the growing division between America's upper and lower classes, offering insights into the decay of interpersonal relations in modern society.
- For those who share Dotson's love for pets, "The House at Riverton" by Kate Morton offers a gripping tale of secrets, love, and loss, which unfolds around a visit from a mysterious pet, shedding light on a decaying family dynamic and the bonds between people and animals.
Traveling through diverse genres, Dotson's recommendations create a unique travel itinerary that journeys through the decay of various aspects of society, offering a compelling exploration of the world we inhabit.
