From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads, and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
Several weeks ago, I wrote a three-part series on the Gothic novel genre, beginning with British Gothic and continuing on to US-Based Gothic and Southern Gothic. In recent years, a new Gothic has arisen throughout Latin America.
Authors in this genre include Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Samanta Schweblin, Agustina Bazterrica, Fernanda Melchor, and Maria Fernanda Ampuero.
What
Some recent Latin American gothic novels and novellas include Mexican Gothic by Mexican Canadian author Silvia Moreno-Garcia and and Fever Dream (Distancia de rescate) by Argentinian author Samanta Schweblin.
Where
Many of these works are based throughout Latin American, namely Mexico and Argentina.
When
The works take place in the 20 and 21-centuries.
Why
These texts may be of interest to AU learners who enjoy the macabre, the mysterious, and the unsettling in terms of plot, setting, and characters.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to literary setting are available in a variety of disciplines, including one’s that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about the Latin American Gothic novel may enroll in ENGL 458: The Latin American Novel, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “is a concentrated study of the Latin American novel, focusing on fiction and memoir written in the context of history, politics, culture, identity, and genre.” (Please note that this course has several prerequisites, including ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays, as well as a recommendation to have taken another intermediate ENGL course). Happy reading!
