Ep. 7: Gothic Romance

Ep. 7: Gothic Romance

Author: Mira Gutoff October 16, 2018 Duration: 17:13

It's time for a big topic: gothic romance novels!  I'll be tackling the history of books with women running from houses on their covers, from the 1790s to the 1970s.  We'll talk about love and horror, cliche and innovation, feminism and conservatism, and all the other contradictions of the genre.

Recommended Media

Books:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

The Italian by Anne Radcliffe

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The Shivering Sands by Victoria Holt

Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

Lord Satan by Janet Louise Roberts

The Lost Duchess of Greyden Castle by Nina Coombs Pykare

Dark Desires by Eve Silver

Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix

The Female Gothic edited by Juianne Fleenor

 ***

Credits

Ambient music for this episode is by NCM Epic Music Ender Guney on youtube.  Intro and outro music is by Station 61.  Podcast artwork is by Dana Veitinger.

Audio clips in this episode are from The Rocky Horror Show Studio Cast.


Mira Gutoff hosts For the Gothic Heroine, a podcast that finds the beauty, tragedy, and profound humanity often hidden within dark stories. This isn't about shock or gore; it's an exploration of the elegant dread and emotional resonance found in gothic and horror narratives across television, film, and literature. Each episode focuses on the characters, settings, and themes that define the genre, paying particular attention to the complex women at the heart of these tales-the heroines, villains, and spectral figures who move through shadowy halls and haunted landscapes. You'll hear thoughtful analysis on how these works use fear and the sublime to explore deeper truths about longing, isolation, and resilience. Whether discussing a chilling modern series, a classic black-and-white film, or a timeless novel, the conversation always returns to the lovely side of horror: the poignant, the atmospheric, and the strangely comforting. It’s for anyone who has ever felt a pull toward the melancholy grace of a misty moor or the eerie silence of an abandoned estate, offering a space to appreciate the artistry and depth of these creations. Tune in for a curated, insightful journey into the corners of culture where darkness and beauty are inextricably intertwined.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 20

For the Gothic Heroine
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 10: Fear Street Saga(s) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What happens when R. L. Stine- or possibly his ghost writer- tries his hand at historical fiction? We'll be looking at the Fear Street Sagas, the place where teens in the nineties went for over the top gothic horror. Rec…
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Duration: 13:45
This week, we'll take a look at the legacy of the book Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal. With two very successful adaptations- the film Kind Hearts and Coronets and the musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and…
Ep. 5: Gothic Noir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:06
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Ep. 4: Women of Weird Fiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:42
Let's dive into a strange world beyond fantasy, horror or science fiction: the world of the weird. I'll be talking about Angela Carter, Joyce Carol Oates, Tanith Lee, Gemma Files, Kelly Link, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Seanan M…
Ep. 3: What Do We Do About Lovecraft? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:13
H. P. Lovecraft was one of the most influential horror and science fiction writers of all time, with a legacy still felt across movies, books, roleplaying games and more. But all his talent was matched by his personal bi…
Ep 2. The Weird World of Dracula Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
What are the best, worst, and strangest Dracula adaptations out there? And what is the original book about, anyway? From horror movies to romances to art films, Dracula's on-screen afterlife charts a bizarre course as ev…
Ep. 1: A Beginner's Guide to Hammer Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:51
Want to enter a world of lacy nightgowns and bloodthirsty vampires but don't know where to start? Here's your entry point. These cult horror movies from the late 1950s through the early 1970s changed the face of onscreen…