The Allure of Horror and Thriller Reads: Why Do We Like To Be Scared?
Horror is intended to frighten, unnerve, and repulse the reader. Horror authors write stories that make their readers feel uneasy or terrified. The terror might be paranormal, psychological, or grotesque. For thrillers, a suspenseful storyline should drive the plot. Thrillers are typically fast-paced (something I enjoy). True crime and detective stories are examples of fast-paced thrillers. Why do so many of us enjoy thrillers or horror novels? We are intrigued by the tension and plot twists as well as the dark and enticing aspects . Who doesn’t want an adrenaline-pumping night without having to leave the house? The horror genre can include murder, crime, or a gothic element, while the thriller genre can provide psychological twists. Consider horror as “watching the crime happen” and the thriller as “observing the detective trying to prevent the crime from occurring.” A thriller is a race against time and horror is watching the frightful events unfold before your eyes.
When you read horror, you want to feel as though you’re right in the middle of the scene. The words you read should be detailed and immersive. Vivid imagery encourages readers to imagine themselves as participants in the story rather than the observer. Psychological dread can be evident in both horror and thriller. Some of the greatest stories are the ones that force the protagonist to confront their inner fears or troubling past. Impending danger should be an element in thriller and horror novels. The path to the threat or problem in thrillers might be more complex, whereas horror is more direct. However, one of my reading goals is to find a book that makes me too scared to read alone at night. I dare you, writers, to frighten me.
The origins of horror can be traced back to folklore. Gothic literature was an early version of horror, which addressed the written development of fear. Although Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein (1818) was first published as science fiction, it’s a great example of gothic literature. As horror grew more popular, authors began to incorporate psychological symbolism, which tends to be scarier than any manufactured ghost or monster. When trauma or serious psychological fears are incorporated into horror, it becomes more realistic and, as a result, more frightening. The Gothic and Victorian eras gave birth to ancient fears which continue to this day.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my favorite horror books. The intense imagery and plot twists captivated me. The story is told from the perspective of Noemí Taboada, the protagonist of the book. During Noemí’s attempt to rescue her cousin from a sadistic and elite family household, the reader is taken along on her journey and provided insight into her shocking discoveries. It will capture your attention and leave you anxious about what will happen next. Will she make it to safety?
Horror stories are seductively enticing. It’s difficult to look away from (or not be intrigued by) something so horrific. Horror and thrillers always catch our attention. We deliberately expose ourselves to discomfort and awe. Throughout history, horror has been a consistent and historically influenced genre. The fear of monsters, the paranormal, and psychological fears will always exist because we are human. Horror plays with our emotions. Historically, there has been an interest in the macabre and morbid aspects of humanity. If there wasn’t, horror would not exist. The human reaction to horror and the historical symbolism in the genre have kept it alive for centuries, and it will continue to stand the test of time. It is interesting to read about the deviations from the social norm because there is a certain appeal to humanity’s devious sides whether we like to admit it or not.
