Chilling Reads: The Best of Horror
After watching The Ring at Rex Theatre in Bengaluru, my friends and I were so terrified that we decided to sleep in the same room. At one point during the film, overwhelmed by fear, I even considered walking out. Gore Verbinskis 2002 American adaptation of Koji Suzukis 1991 novel reshaped American horror cinema. The plot revolves around a cursed video: anyone who watches it will die within a week unless they make a copy. This concept might be one of the first instances of a viral video! Its intriguing to consider how relevant this movie would be today, given that VHS tapes are obsolete and streaming has taken over. Ive often pondered why people willingly choose to watch horror movies or read scary books. The genre is peculiar; what terrifies one person may amuse another. Early horror films can seem laughable now. From ghosts and serial killers to creepy clowns, horror embraces a wide array of fears. Personally, I prefer horror films to books, as the cinematic experience tends to be shorter and less torturous. Classics like Dracula, Interview with a Vampire, The Exorcist, Frankenstein , and IT often dominate lists of famous horror literature. However, I would not include the numerous Stephen King books, which can be considered a genre in themselves! Instead, I want to highlight some lesser-known works. Joe Hill, Stephen Kings son, is carving his own niche in horror. His dark fantasy novel Horns , published in 2010, features Ig Parish, who wakes up with horns after his girlfriends murder. These horns compel people to reveal their darkest secrets, as Ig seeks justice and confronts his grief. TIME Magazine hailed him as one of Americas finest horror writers, noting how Horns blends contemporary fantasy, crime fiction, and Gothic elements. In The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror , David J Skal examines the links between horror and social crises in American history. He argues that horror films reflect societal anxieties from the traumas of the World Wars and the Great Depression to Cold War fears and the AIDS epidemics connection to vampire lore. Skals analysis is both compelling and enlightening, exploring how horror has become a profound cultural expression, especially in recent years. For graphic novel enthusiasts, From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell is a must-read. Serialised from 1989 to 1998, this graphic novel delves into the infamous Jack the Ripper murders and won multiple awards. A 2020 edition added colour for the first time, enhancing its already gripping narrative. While it straddles the line between horror and true crime, its storytelling and artwork are exceptional. One particularly absurd yet disturbing read is Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk, a collection of short stories. The premise follows 24 writers at a retreat who each share their life stories, revealing dark and often graphic tales. The stories intertwine in unexpected ways, though they are not for the faint-hearted. In India, the horror genre is less pronounced, but ghost stories have long been a staple of childhood. My first exposure was through Vikram and Vetal on television. Ruskin Bonds works, such as Ghost Stories from the Raj, A Season of Ghosts , and A Face in the Dark , introduced me to ghostly narratives. Kiran Manrals Face at the Window is both gripping and chilling, resonating with those familiar with Anglo-Indian culture. Meanwhile, Jessica Faleiros Afterlife: Ghost Stories from Goa presents eight unique tales revolving around the familys birthday gathering in a haunted mansion. Horror as a genre aims to frighten, disgust, or startle readers, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human experience. It allows us to confront our fears from the safety of our own couches, immersing us in a thrilling exploration of the unknown. (The writers views are personal)
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