As autumn’s chill settles in, the perfect time arrives to immerse ourselves in the eerie realm of folk horror literature. The harvest season’s mystical aura and the shortening days in the Northern hemisphere create an ideal atmosphere for delving into the genre. Folk horror has lately experienced a surge in popularity, partly fueled by the success of original properties like Midsommar, which has inspired fans to seek out books that capture its essence.
Of course, many horror films are rooted in novels or short stories – think cult classics like Children of the Corn. But what exactly defines this subgenre of horror?
Understanding the Folk in Folk Horror Novels
While folklore and fairytales are often intermingled, they represent distinct aspects of cultural heritage. Folklore encompasses the collective creative expressions shared by a community, whereas fairytales are just one genre of oral storytelling within this broader framework. The lack of clear authorship is a hallmark of folklore, as these stories belong to the people who tell them.
In the realm of folk horror, the folk culture often originates from isolated, rural communities that have developed unique practices and rituals. These traditions can be unsettling for outsiders who stumble upon them, as they tap into the primal power of nature. Many classic examples of folk horror, such as The Wicker Man and Harvest Home, explore these themes in the context of remote Scottish and American settings respectively.
Similarly, folk culture often blends official and unofficial elements, much like religion. Catholicism, for instance, has both an established hierarchy and a rich tradition of grassroots devotion. My grandmother’s bingo card shrines to Jesus and Mary are a prime example of this blending, where a personal practice becomes a folk tradition within the larger faith. This intersection of official and folk elements can yield fascinating horror novel premises.
Understanding the Horror in Folk Horror Novels
When it comes to horror, I’m always intrigued by its ability to delve beyond mere scares and thrills. One sub-genre that particularly piques my interest is folk horror. While it’s certainly capable of conjuring up unsettling images, it also serves as a commentary on the dangers of isolation and the importance of questioning societal norms.
By exploring the darker aspects of rural living, folk horror novels can validate the anxiety that city dwellers may feel when venturing into less populated areas. But what’s most compelling about this sub-genre is its ability to transcend its surface-level terrors and tackle deeper themes. For instance, Shirley Jackson’s influential story ‘The Lottery’ can be seen as a critique of capital punishment, with the ritual sacrifice standing in for the darker aspects of societal conformity.
Tthe Best Folk Horror Books
Folk horror is an umbrella term that encompasses a diverse range of stories that seamlessly blend elements of folklore and the horror genre. From tales of outsiders stumbling upon rural pagan death cults to more complex explorations of cultural heritage, this genre has something for everyone seeking a deeper connection or a healthy dose of corn-based frights.
The following list is a curated selection of books that push the boundaries of folk horror, offering fresh takes on classic tropes and unearthing new terrors in the process.
Pine by Francine Toon
Immersive experiences await readers of folk horror, often transporting them to the most isolated regions of Britain. The setting for Pine is the rugged Scottish highlands, where a sense of unease settles over Lauren and her father Niall as they grapple with the absence of their loved one – Lauren’s mother. As Halloween night descends, Niall encounters a mysterious woman in white on the desolate roadside, a trope reminiscent of countless ghost stories and urban legends.
This eerie encounter marks the beginning of a series of inexplicable events that will leave readers on edge.
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline
Within the heartwarming narrative of this innovative novel, a poignant search unfolds as a Métis woman seeks to reunite with her missing husband, only to be met with an enigmatic figure eerily reminiscent of him. Dubbed Reverend Wolff, this spiritual leader has traded his previous life for one of Christian fervor and revival tent crusades.
Meanwhile, the rich cultural heritage of the Métis community takes center stage, drawing inspiration from the mystical Rogarou – a shapeshifting creature woven into the very fabric of their folklore.
Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand
Imagine a literary hybrid that brings together the free-spirited essence of Daisy Jones and the Six with the experimental storytelling of House of Leaves. Set in rural England, this novel weaves together an intricate narrative told through interview transcripts. The story revolves around a fictional folk band sequestered in a mysterious hall to record their album.
However, as tensions rise, the lead singer vanishes, leaving behind a trail of eerie and unsettling events that evoke the classic gothic haunted house tale. But what elevates this novella into a folk horror masterpiece is its clever incorporation of traditional English Christmas carols and obscure folklore, which adds an extra layer of eeriness to the already haunting atmosphere.
The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion by Margaret Killjoy
In this captivating novella, we meet Danielle Cain, a queer punk rock traveller with a thirst for adventure and a penchant for the unconventional. Her friend’s mysterious death sends her on a journey to an off-the-grid squatter utopia in Iowa, where she uncovers a dark secret: even the most unlikely of anarchist communities can be plagued by malevolent forces. It turns out that summoning demonic entities is not uncommon, and when they turn against their summoners, chaos ensues.
This gripping tale also sets the stage for a sequel, where Danielle Cain puts her newfound demon-hunting skills to the test.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
This novel delves into the complexities of revenge and the supernatural, as a mysterious entity seeks retribution against four Native American men who were complicit in a past wrongdoing. On the surface, it appears to be a typical haunted house story within the folk horror genre. However, as the narrative unfolds, it transforms into something far more sinister – an unstoppable embodiment of nature’s fury, characteristic of the best folk horror tales.
The Changeling by Victor LaValle
In this chilling horror novel, the author cleverly transplants traditional folklore elements into the heart of urban New York City. But as protagonist Apollo delves deeper into the mystery surrounding his wife and child’s disappearance, he uncovers hidden corners of the city that defy the notion of a concrete jungle. Forgotten islands, whispering forests, and secret graveyards lay in wait, their secrets waiting to be unearthed.
The novel masterfully weaves together the timeless myth of the changeling – an otherworldly being swapped with a human infant – setting the stage for a terrifying descent into the unknown.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
For those seeking to immerse themselves in folk horror comics, ‘Through the Woods’ stands out as a must-read. This anthology presents five unsettling tales that seamlessly blend elements of folk horror with body horror. The author’s depiction of teeth had me on edge, exemplifying the unnerving atmosphere that permeates this collection.
Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss
When exploring ancient practices through literature, such as Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, readers may be left wondering about the consequences of reenacting historical techniques. Similarly, Ghost Wall delves into academia, focusing on an anthropological course where a family immerses themselves in ancient Briton customs in Northern England. As they forage for food and construct defenses against invaders, the question arises: do these primitive practices inevitably lead to human sacrifice?
Water Ghosts by Shawna Yang Ryan
In this reimagining of a classic Chinese ghost story, the setting is shifted to a small farming town in California during the 1928 era. The narrative centers around three worn-out women who emerge from the fog, precipitating chaos among the townspeople and subsequently becoming entwined in their lives. This enchanting yet unsettling folk horror tale delves into the notion that people can be haunted by the consequences of their passions and betrayals.
The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher
For those who find the chaos of hoarding-related TV shows unsettling, the prospect of diving into a horror novel like The Twisted Ones can be especially unnerving. The story follows Mouse as she returns to rural North Carolina to clean out her grandmother’s home, only to stumble upon a journal that reveals the dark secrets lurking in the woods just beyond. What initially seems like mere myth quickly turns sinister, threatening to disrupt Mouse’s life forever.
Experimental Film by Gemma Files
In a bold departure from traditional folk horror narratives, Experimental Film takes a found footage approach to tell its story. Rather than outsiders venturing into isolated communities, the film delves into the world of forgotten cinema. A Canadian film historian makes a groundbreaking discovery – an obscure early 20th century filmmaker whose works feature the enigmatic Lady Midday, a demon said to emerge at noon.
This eerie entity, rooted in Slavic folklore, serves as a haunting presence that permeates the narrative.
White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
For those who crave atmospheric horror that defies traditional plotting conventions, this folk horror novel is a must-read. Set against the eerie backdrop of Dover’s cliffs, the story unfolds within a house that takes on a life of its own as narrator. The narrative exudes a haunting fairytale quality, minus the overt retelling or reimagining. One of the novel’s most intriguing characters struggles with pica, a unique condition characterized by an insatiable appetite for non-nutritive substances.
When We Were Animals by Joshua Gaylord
While many books explore the darker aspects of folk horror, this offbeat novel stands out by focusing on the aftermath rather than the event itself. The story is largely told through the eyes of a woman reflecting on her youth in a rural Midwestern town where teenagers undergo a peculiar and animalistic transformation before entering adulthood.
This thought-provoking tale will resonate with anyone who has ever looked back on their childhood and wondered about the unusual or even unsettling aspects that seemed normal at the time, only to realize how strange they actually were when viewed through the lens of adulthood.
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
The Whisper Man by Alex North
In the realm of folk horror, The Whisper Man stands out as a chilling contemporary tale. This novel draws inspiration from modern urban legends, which have evolved into our version of cautionary fairytales. At its core is a gruesome serial killer who operated two decades ago and earned his sinister moniker by whispering eerie phrases in the windows of his victims.
Against this backdrop, we meet Jake – a vulnerable child and recent arrival to the town – who begins to hear unsettling whispers emanating from his own window, further blurring the lines between reality and the darkness that lurks within.
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
In the charming Hudson Valley town of Black Spring, a 17th century witch has been making uninvited appearances in residents’ homes. Her eyes and mouth are stitched shut, leaving her standing vigilantly by people’s beds. Despite efforts to keep this dark history under wraps, local teenagers are determined to expose their mysterious curse to the world.
The idea of bringing this eerie presence into the public eye sends shivers down my spine, particularly since I’ve personally experienced the unsettling terror of sleep paralysis.
Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo
The haunting novel Pedro Páramo is a cornerstone of Mexican literature, pioneering the genre of magical realism while also incorporating elements of folk horror. At its core is the enigmatic Juan Preciado, who embarks on a journey to his deceased mother’s hometown in search of his father. Instead, he stumbles upon an eerie ghost town, blurring the lines between reality and myth. The novel’s connection to folk culture and oral storytelling traditions adds depth and richness to its narrative.
Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver
In the realm of Edwardian gothic horror, Wakenhyrst stands out as a novel that seamlessly blends elements of folk horror. The story unfolds against the eerie backdrop of Wake’s End, a grand manor house situated in East Anglia, where the boundaries between old Christian practices and folk traditions begin to blur. The foreboding fen that borders the estate whispers ominous tales of its own, hinting at the dark forces lurking beneath the surface.
The Summer of the Ubume by Natsuhiko Kyogoku
In Japanese folklore, an onryo is born from the untimely burial of a pregnant woman. For fans of mystery novels infused with folkloric horror, this eerie tale unfolds through the eyes of a tabloid reporter probing the enigmatic case of a woman whose pregnancy has persisted for 20 months without reprieve. As he delves deeper into the story, he seeks the expertise of his exorcist acquaintance to unravel the sinister forces at play.
The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers
While folk horror often drops contemporary characters into anachronistic settings, The Gallows Pole takes a different approach. This historical novel is set in late 18th century England and revolves around a charismatic leader who amasses a criminal operation focused on forging coins in his secluded moorland home. As he builds his empire, he also begins experiencing vivid visions of mysterious stag-headed men.
What’s fascinating about this aspect is that real historical events serve as the backdrop for the coin forging, but the origins and significance of these eerie apparitions remain shrouded in mystery.
Lanny by Max Porter
Little Darlings by Melanie Golding
In the realm of changeling folklore, a new mother’s sanity is put to the test as Lauren, exhausted from caring for twins, claims that a mysterious woman has swapped her babies with peculiar creatures. Despite her desperate pleas, others dismiss her concerns, and she becomes obsessed with reclaiming her genuine infant sons. The novel delves deep into the dark, mystical world of fairytales, where the lines between reality and myth blur.
The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Daniel M. Lavery
In the realm of storytelling, Daniel Lavery’s short story collection is a masterful blend of horror and fairytales that will leave readers sleeping with the lights on. The author’s retellings of beloved tales like The Little Mermaid, The Frog Princess, Beauty and the Beast, and The Velveteen Rabbit are not only clever but also infused with Lavery’s unique hyperliterate prose style, making for a hauntingly delightful read.
The Day the Sun Died by Yan Lianke
Swansong by Kerry Andrew
In this Scottish Highland-set novel, the lines between reality and magic blur as a woman flees her troubled past in London. Her new surroundings are haunted by ethereal apparitions that appear on the loch’s surface and amidst the woodland trees. The protagonist’s discovery of a gruesome scene – someone dismembering a bird in the woods – sets her on a path to uncover the truth behind this disturbing act, as well as the mysterious forces that continue to manifest around her.
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
In the realm of folk horror novels, certain animals have become ubiquitous symbols, none more so than birds and deer. The latter’s association with mystery and unease stems from their often-shrouded roles in mythological tales. Take, for instance, the historical novel The Essex Serpent. This captivating story centres around the reappearance of a creature reminiscent of the Loch Ness Monster, blamed for a string of inexplicable deaths and vanishings.
While not precisely terrifying, The Essex Serpent excels at weaving gothic melodrama (a feat it achieves with aplomb). Moreover, the novel probes the longstanding schism between scientific inquiry and religious dogma, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these fundamental human divides.
Taaqtumi: An Anthology of Arctic Horror Stories by Aviaq Johnston, Richard Van Camp, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Anguti Johnston
The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham
In the late 18th century, a gothic manor in Cornwall served as the eerie backdrop for a romance novel that defied conventional expectations. The protagonist, a woman writing feminist tracts, found herself facing ominous threats and harsh treatment, reminiscent of folk horror’s unsettling atmosphere. While the story may be classified as a romance, it promises a satisfying happy ending for readers seeking a darkly inflected tale with just a hint of folk horror.
Need more folk horror novels?
Beyond this initial selection lies a vast and chilling expanse of folk horror. Whether you’re seeking novels that delve into the darker aspects of mythology, or stories that craft a sense of creeping dread, our tailored book recommendations are designed to uncover the perfect fit for your tastes. Join us on a journey through the uncharted territories of horror literature, where the unknown lurks around every corner and the thrill of discovery awaits.