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I love classics and I love fall. What do I love more? Reading classic books in the fall. Especially when they have autumnal vibes. A lot of our great horror and gothic books are actually classic books that have been adored by readers for years — even centuries!
Here are 8 classic fall books you need to read this fall! 🍂
1. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
“Anne of Green Gables” is one of the best children’s classics out there and it’s ideal to read in the fall time! Anne, herself, is very fond of Octobers.
The story follows Anne, an orphaned girl, who arrives at Avonlea, into the home of the Cuthberts siblings, Matthew and Marilla.
The siblings wanted to adopt a boy to help them around the house but instead, they landed on Anne. She has spunky red hair, possesses an extensive imagination, and is a strong-willed child.
Now, the Cuthberts cannot imagine their lives without Anne present in it. From there, follows the story of Anne’s education and upbringing.
It’s truly such a beautiful tale to read this fall!
Buy “Anne of Green Gables” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
2. “The Complete Stories and Poems” by Edgar Allan Poe
“The Complete Stories and Poems” of Edgar Allan Poe is a must-read for the fall season! Poe is literally the father of horror. He’s inspired great writers such as the French poet Baudelaire and the highly acclaimed horror-thriller novelist Stephen King.
My absolute favourite short stories by Poe – that I read every fall – are The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
As for his poems, they are also very haunting and beautifully crafted!
Buy “Complete Poe” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
3. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is also a wonderful classic to read during the fall time.
Growing up, I had no idea that this was a novel! I had only known the incredibly chilling movie adaptation Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci.
This book follows a schoolteacher – Ichabod Crane – that comes to Tarry Town in the glen of Sleepy Hollow. He becomes enthralled by the ghost stories of the land.
But could the ghost stories be real?
His superstitions led him to believe that it’s haunted by a ghost called Hessian Trooper who is also known as the Headless Horseman…
Buy “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
4. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” is the ultimate crisp, beautifying, fall classic. (It has some gothic undertones but I’ve decided to add to this list instead! You can read my list involving the best gothic books here.)
This horrifying story follows young, handsome Dorian Gray as he compromises his soul… After all, that may be the price for eternal youth and beauty. This novel – like most of Wilde’s work – is a commentary on society.
Buy “The Picture of Dorian Gray” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
5. “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson
“Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is perfect for spooky season! The story presents a London lawyer by the name of John Gabriel Utterson. He’s investigating strange incidents between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde.
Let me tell you… the title doesn’t lie… it’s a strange case indeed. I won’t say more! Pick up the book!
Buy “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
6. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
“Wuthering Heights” is another great classic to read during autumn. It contains a lot of imagery and references to a chill, cool wind in one’s bones and from nature itself.
The story introduces Lockwood, who’s the new tenant of Thrushgrove Grange. Due to a bad storm, he seeks refuge at his neighbour (Mr. Heathcliff) at Wuthering Heights.
From there, through the narrative of a maid – named Nelly – Lockwood uncovers the very dark and tragic backstory of the landlord of Wuthering Heights. The story of vengeance and betrayal of Heathcliff transcends the heirs of the next generation…
Buy “Wuthering Heights” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
7. “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux
“The Phantom of the Opera” is a classical French novel that also has semblances of the gothic. The story opens with young a Swedish girl by the name of Christine Daaé. Her father passed away but she was raised by the Paris Opera House and has had music as a guiding light in her life.
It is a phantom voice at the opera house that teaches Christine how to sing beautifully… but this instructing voice comes from the deformed, murderous ‘ghost’ of the opera house named Erik.
Erik becomes dangerously jealous when Christine’s childhood friend Raoul comes to visit. Shortly, Christine disappears… and the rest… is for you to find out.
Buy “The Phantom of the Opera” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
8. “The October Country” by Ray Bradbury
“The October Country” is an ideal short story collection to read during the fall time, or specifically during the month of October. 🎃
This short story collection is a chilling horrifying twist on childhood nostalgia! However, the best part of this collection is hands down Bradbury’s captivating writing style.
Buy “The October Country” Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
I hope you enjoyed this list of my must-read 8 classics fall books! Let me know which classic fall-like books you love to read in the fall time!
Also, don’t forget to read my post on the 20 Best Fall Books and on the Top 10 Classic Gothic Novels for more fall book recommendations!📚
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