What’s On A Horror Writers’ Bookshelf? – Claire Fitzpatrick

What’s On A Horror Writers’ Bookshelf?

Claire Fitzpatrick

I have a few hundred books. I guess you could say I like to read. However, while I am a horror writer, horror isn’t something I always read. I read anything and everything for a reason. Reading inspires, encourages, instructs. It allows me to connect with other people and the world around me without having to leave the comfort of my own home. For me to be able to be a good author, I need to read, and this means everything. Not just other horror stories, other horror novels, but other genres, everything. So, with that in mind, what’s on my bookshelf?

Horror – ‘Interview With The Vampire’ by Anne Rice.

I own every single Anne Rice book. I love the gothic horror, the romance, the history, the dark sensuality of Rice’s writing. It’s kind of like ‘Catcher In The Rye’ when you think about it. Louis is trying to find out who he is, why he exists, where he fits in the world, and I think that’s why I love it. I read this book during a very bleak period in my life and it helped bring me back to life.

Fantasy – ‘Obernewtyn’ by Isobelle Carmody.

I named my daughter after IC, so of course she’s on this list! I read this in high school and have been a fan ever since. The book is a great blend between fantasy and sci-fi (though it’s probably better classed as dystopian) with a main character – Elspeth, a young girl born with mental abilities – who really symbolises what it means to be different. There’s a strange secluded mountain refuge, a talking cat, and a mad scientist. It’s great!

Western – ‘Shane’ by Jack Schaefer.

I first read this on a road trip from Brisbane to Canberra (Conflux 2018) and found it unputdownable. For me, it has all the elements of a fantastic novel. There’s evil gunslingers, a passionate child narrator, philosophical and ethical ideas, simple elegant prose, and a mysterious hero who rides off into the sunset. What’s not to love?

Romance – ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan.

I LOVE this novel and the film adaptation. The prose is simply gorgeous. Everything in this novel is incredibly vivid. There’s passion, remorse, hate, solitude, and of course, atonement. For me, Robbie and Cecelia are the quintessential doomed lovers.

Thriller – ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ by Stieg Larsson.

I LOVE The ‘Millennium Series.’ Lisbeth Salander is the quintessential female hero we all deserve. Plus, everyone has their own storyline, making it seem more realistic. The book can be bleak and ugly, but the level of detail and realism is what makes the story so great.

Memoir – ‘Angela’s Ashes’ by Frank McCourt.

I read this as a teenager and still think it’s one of the most depressing and wonderful books I’ve ever read. It’s so lyrical and well-written, and one of the most fascinating, heartbreakingly honest stories of extreme poverty and alcoholism. I laughed and cried, and then laughed and cried some more.

KR: Thank you very much Claire

KR: If you’d like to share what’s on your bookshelf, then please don’t hesitate to contact Kendall Reviews

Claire Fitzpatrick

You can find out more about Claire by visiting her official website www.clairefitzpatrick.net

Please follow Claire on Twitter @CJFitzpatrick91

Metamorphosis

Madeline

Eat

The Eagle

Mechanical Garden

The Jacaranda House

Transplant

Scarab

Senses

The Dog

The Town Hall

Metamorphosis

Happy Birthday, Ebony

Andromeda

The Perfect Son

Thorne House

Dragonfly

Deep Sea Fishing

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