In Eden, Kentucky, the air is thick with dust. The dying coal town is the fictional setting of Alix E. Harrow’s “Starling House.”
The dying coal town is the fictional setting of Alix E. Harrow’s “Starling House,” and the smog of fading power and bad luck is enough to suffocate its residents, most of whom live in abject poverty.“This is the first book that I set fully in, like committed to writing about Kentucky,” Harrow says.
In writing about class, Harrow joins a long tradition of authors writing Gothic fiction as a way to process the ills of society.Poole says that from its very beginnings in the 18th century, Gothic fiction has responded to historical trauma. It’s insistent that history does not go away. “I think Kentucky, because it was in the upper South because it was occupied by Northern forces very quickly in the Civil War and didn't technically secede, I think it gets left out of narratives of Southern enslavement,” Harrow says. “I can't participate in that.”
But the truth is never as simple as it seems. And the pain buried underneath Eleanor’s story is at the core of what sickens the whole town.“Women's anger is something that had to be shoved into horror, or really only had a place in horror and Gothic, because it was naturally antithetical to the way things were supposed to be,” Harrow says.
Gothic fantasy author Ava Reid says “Starling House” exemplifies what Gothic fiction can offer people struggling with pain and trauma.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former House speaker floats idea of removing Gaetz from House GOP caucus, committeesNewt Gingrich floated the idea of removing Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., from the House GOP Conference and his committee assignments instead of a full House expulsion.
Read more »
Imagine Nabs TV Rights to Author Ashley Winstead’s ‘Midnight Is the Darkest Hour’ (Exclusive)The Southern gothic thriller is set for release this week.
Read more »
Kourtney Kardashian shows off gothic Chrome Hearts stroller for baby boyThe trendy stroller is a favorite with the Kar-Jenner clan, and Kylie has her own version — and possibly passed down the pricey pram.
Read more »
Humble House Bakery makes tasty bread, buns and treats from scratchCheese and garlic sourdough, cranberry and pistachio sourdough and cinnamon buns are among popular items at East College Park bakery.
Read more »
House to Vote on Kevin McCarthy’s Fate Later TuesdayDemocrats are presented with the choice of rescuing the Republican leader or the taking a chance on an unknown alternative.
Read more »